Benefits · Nutrition
How to apply for Emerald Coast Council on Aging — Meals on Wheels + Congregate Dining (4 Senior Centers)
Emerald Coast Council on Aging, Inc. (ECCOA) — 501(c)(3) nonprofit established 1967 (formerly Walton-Okaloosa Council on Aging); contracted local AAA delivery partner under the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging (PSA 1) for OAA Title III nutrition + case management + in-home assistance in Walton County; main office at 1154 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs FL 32435
Who it's for
Emerald Coast Council on Aging (ECCOA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1967 — making it the oldest Council on Aging modeled in the FL catalog. ECCOA was formerly known as the Walton-Okaloosa Council on Aging; the organization split when Elder Services of Okaloosa County took over Okaloosa-specific delivery, leaving ECCOA focused on Walton County. ECCOA operates Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) for homebound seniors and Nutritional Hot Meals at four Community Senior Centers located in DeFuniak Springs, Paxton, Freeport, and South Walton — offering fellowship, educational programs, and recreational activities. Recent impact (2022-2024): served over 350 seniors with 75,000 meals through congregate sites and home delivery, plus 45,000 hours of in-home assistance (housekeeping, companionship, respite care, transportation, shopping). Eligibility for Meals on Wheels is age 60+ and Walton County residency plus documented homebound status (illness, disability, or isolation per OAA Title III-C framework). Apply by calling ECCOA at 850-892-8165.
ECCOA's geographic footprint is genuinely county-wide — Senior Centers in DeFuniak Springs (north county seat), Paxton (north), Freeport (central), and South Walton (coastal corridor) cover the full Walton geography. Congregate hot meals at these centers have a lower bar (60+ and ambulatory) and may be more accessible for active seniors. Meals on Wheels home delivery requires homebound documentation through ECCOA case manager assessment. The 45,000 hours of in-home assistance reported 2022-2024 reflects substantial in-home services capacity — homemaking, companionship, respite care, transportation, and shopping support (the broader senior-services umbrella record is fl.walton.eccoa_in_home_services). For seniors needing transportation to congregate sites, coordinate with fl.walton.walton_transportation (TCCC) or GoWal free service.
What you'll need
- Proof of age 60+ (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, or birth certificate)
- Proof of Walton County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- For home-delivered Meals on Wheels: documentation of homebound status (case manager assessment of illness, disability, or isolation)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 850-892-8165
Renewals
annual reassessment by ECCOA case manager; meals continue without interruption pending recertification
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.