Benefits · Nutrition

How to apply for Washington County Council on Aging — Meals on Wheels + Free Congregate Dining + Emergency Shelf-Stable Meal Program

Washington County Council on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) — 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Washington County FL since 1973; contracted local AAA delivery partner under Advantage Aging Solutions (PSA 2 Area Agency on Aging) for OAA Title III nutrition; congregate dining site at 1348 South Boulevard, Chipley FL 32428

Who it's for

Washington County Council on Aging (WCCOA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Washington County since 1973 — over 50 years of continuous operation supporting the health, education, and social connections of Washington's aging community. WCCOA operates a Congregate Dining Program that serves FREE hot lunches Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. at 1348 South Boulevard in Chipley — open to all Washington County residents age 60 and older with no fee for the meal. The congregate program provides both nutrition and fellowship, with seniors gathering for shared meals and informal social engagement. To reserve a seat, seniors call (850) 638-6217 or (850) 638-6216 by 10:00 a.m. on the day they plan to attend. For seniors who are homebound or struggle with transportation, WCCOA participates in the Meals on Wheels program, delivering meals directly to eligible residents. WCCOA is also preparing to launch an Emergency Shelf-Stable Meal Program that will provide an extra food resource for seniors during times of need (severe weather, hurricane preparation, illness recovery periods). Eligibility for Meals on Wheels is age 60+ and Washington County residency plus documented homebound status. Apply by calling WCCOA at 850-638-6217.

WCCOA's congregate dining is genuinely FREE — no fee for the meal, just a same-day reservation by 10 a.m. for that day's 11:30 lunch. This is more accessible than peer county congregate programs that suggest donations or have voluntary fee schedules. Eligibility is broad: any Washington County resident age 60+, no income test for congregate. The single congregate site at 1348 South Boulevard in Chipley means seniors in Vernon, Caryville, or other Washington County communities face travel; WCCOA can coordinate with Washington Transportation (TCCC paratransit, fl.washington.washington_transportation) for rides. Meals on Wheels home delivery requires documented homebound status — illness, disability, or isolation. The forthcoming Emergency Shelf-Stable Meal Program will provide hurricane-preparation and emergency food resources to enrolled seniors; check with WCCOA for launch timing. The 50+ year track record (since 1973) makes WCCOA one of the longest-serving Council on Aging organizations in the Florida Panhandle.

What you'll need

Proof of age 60+ (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, or birth certificate)
Proof of Washington County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
For congregate dining: ambulatory mobility to attend the 1348 South Boulevard Chipley site + reservation by 10 a.m. same day
For home-delivered Meals on Wheels: documentation of homebound status (illness, disability, or isolation)

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 850-638-6217

Renewals

annual reassessment by WCCOA case manager; meals continue without interruption pending recertification

Official source →Last verified · June 3, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.