Florida Resource Directory

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Government Services for Seniors in Florida

Identifying your local offices for federal benefits is one of the first things you should do when moving to Florida for retirement or getting ready to retire as a long-time resident. Though we’ll cover even more government resources in this guide, your Social Security, Veterans Services and Elder Helpline are some of the most essential programs that will bring you supplemental income and ongoing benefits if you’re eligible.

Social Security Offices

The U.S Social Security Administration uses www.ssa.gov as its central website for all information, regardless of what state you’re living in. There, you’re able to view specific resources related to retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits. The U.S Social Security Administration uses www.ssa.gov as its central website for all information, regardless of what state you’re living in. There, you’re able to view specific resources related to retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits.

The Social Security Administration currently operates in 46 cities throughout Florida, which you can view at https://www.ssofficelocation.com/florida-social-security-offices-sos9. We’ve listed some of the Florida’s top Social Security locations below. Keep in mind that some cities may have more than one location. For more information, call 1-800-772-1213.

State-Wide Veterans Services

According to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA), Florida is home to 1.5 million veterans. If you’ve served in the U.S military, you’re eligible for comprehensive assistance that includes nursing home placement, long-term benefits, medical assistance, and more.

The FDVA has three main locations for its headquarters, benefits and assistance division, an state capital Tallahassee offices. In each service that the FDVA provides, its mission is to deliver trusted, easy access to high-quality care, whether it’s through VA facilities, telehealth, or within local communities. Learn more at floridavets.org.

State Veterans’ Nursing Homes

If you’re in need of long-term senior care, you can access skilled nursing facilities or assisted living facilities through the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. See below for a comprehensive list of locations in Florida, or visit http://floridavets.org/locations/state-veterans-nursing-homes/ for more information.

Veterans Crisis and Support Hotlines

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs is available for seniors even in moments of crisis. If you’re considering suicide or in need of immediate mental health support, dial toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. For more information on the VA’s mental health resources, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov.

If you’re looking for general support – whether it may be emotional, or if you’re in need of referrals to specific resources – call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or 211. Operators will assist you immediately to offer their help or point you in the right direction.

Veterans Assistance Healthcare and Medical Centers

One of the biggest benefits of government Veterans Assistance are the state-wide medical centers and healthcare that veterans are able to access. At each location, veterans are met with quality care and dedication to their overall wellbeing. Access medical care at the following healthcare and medical centers throughout Florida. For a full list of locations in Florida, visit the va.gov website.

Elder Services Helpline

The Elder Services Helpline is your one-stop shop for gaining information about all the state services and activities offered through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. You can call the statewide helpline at 1-800-955-8771, or find your county line online at the DOEA website.

Financial and Legal Assistance for Seniors in Florida

Even if you are receiving benefits from Social Security or the Veterans’ Administration, you still may need alternate methods of income to make sure you’re living a secure retirement or senior lifestyle. No matter where you are in life, it’s always okay to reach out for help in order to maintain your financial confidence. Whether it’s employment assistance, taxes, or comprehensive financial assistance, organizations in Florida exist to guide you through your needs and questions.

Employment Assistance

In Florida, you can access help from both national and state-wide organizations dedicated to finding you employment when you’re facing low income or poor employment prospects.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program

The SCSEP is a program provided through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Its goal is to provide community service and job training for seniors over the age of 55 who are unemployed and low-income while also facing poor employment prospects. If you’re eligible to work with the SCSEP, you’ll be placed in part-time community service positions that help provide necessary job skills while providing minimum wage income until you’re ready to move up to a new job.

The SCSEP is located at Department of Elder Affairs headquarters at 4040 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. You can reach the SCSEP online at http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/scsep.php or by calling (850) 414-2000. You’ll be matched with a local service provider in your county who will get you started with the application and enrollment process.

The SCSEP is also available at the federal level through the AARP Foundation. Similar to the state-wide programs, the AARP SCSEP matches eligible seniors aged 55+ with nonprofits and public agencies that help build job skills while providing minimum wage. Contact the AARP SCSEP online at https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/scsep/ or call toll-free at 1-800-775-6776 to find the location closest to you.

The National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc.

The National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc. (NCBA) is a nationwide organization dedicated to assisting African Americans age 50+ through all aspects of employment, health and wellness, and affordable housing. Eligible seniors can access employment training through the NCBA’s Senior Environmental Employment Program or Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Through SCSEP, seniors are provided job training when they face adverse situations where they’re unable to find employment or suffering from low income. This includes veterans, seniors over 65, disabled elders, low literacy, rural residents, current or at-risk for homelessness, and more.

Alternatively, with the SEE program skilled professionals aged 55+ are places in positions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency if they qualify for current job opportunities that include environmental support. Qualified applicants are assigned to one of five locations, including Gulf Breeze, Florida.

For more information about the NCBA, visit ncba-aging.org or call (202) 637-8400. For localized assistance, visit one of the NCBA’s two locations in Florida.

Financial Assistance

The Florida Department of Financial Services is a statewide agency broken out into 13 divisions dedicated to financial education, resources and services for Florida residents. This includes accounting and auditing, rehabilitation and liquidation, risk management, and more. Overall, the agency is designed to help Floridians make sound financial decisions and navigate daily financial pressure. At https://www.myfloridacfo.com/, you can navigate fraud, disaster preparation, insurance, and other essential resources.

The agency has more than 30 locations throughout Florida. See below for some of the top locations in the state. View more at https://www.myfloridacfo.com/FieldOfficeMap.htm or call the state-wide help line at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).

Legal Assistance

Seniors may not always have the resources necessary to pay for legal resources should the occasion arise. That’s why Title III of the Older Americans Act is dedicated to providing funds specifically for seniors over the age of 60 and their legal assistance. In Florida, you can access legal services at a statewide level through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

The statewide Senior Legal Helpline is there for operators to provide free legal advice and brief appointment services over the phone for eligible seniors. You can contact the helpline at 1-888-895-7873.

Elder Law Practitioners

As a senior, you may also be able to get help from Certified Elder Law Practitioners. These lawyers have received specific training in senior-specific issues, such as estate planning, Medicare/Medicaid assistance, Veterans’ benefits, elder abuse, and more.

To find an Elder Law Attorney near you, search on the Florida Bar website at https://lrs.floridabar.org/ or call (850) 561-5600.

Consumer Counseling

Consumer Counseling helps keep you educated so you can make well-informed decisions regarding large financial transactions and insurance purchases. In Florida, you can gain consumer counseling through the Division of Consumer Services. They’ll help walk you through what to be aware of in today’s world, scams to avoid, and can provide additional educational resources in the form of guides and educational videos.

The Florida Division of Consumer Services is available at 200 East Gaines St., Tallahassee, FL 32399. Visit https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/ for more information or dial (877) 693-5236 for immediate assistance.

Tax Filing Assistance

Filing your taxes is never easy, but it can get increasingly difficult as a senior when you may be receiving financial assistance or long-term benefits from other agencies. In Florida, you can utilize three statewide agencies dedicated to assisting seniors with their tax preparation and filing.

AARP Tax-Aide

Tax Counseling for the Elderly is similar to the AARP Tax-Aide, with many TCE locations even facilitated by the AARP. However, the TCE is a government program that offers free tax assistance to seniors age 60+. Through TCE, you’ll be matched with IRS-certified volunteers who provide free assistance on income tax return preparation as well as electronic filing.

Check if you’re eligible for TCE’s assistance by visiting https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/722
Or call the program’s nationwide number at 1-800-906-9887.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA, is offered through United Way Charities. Through the program, qualified taxpayers receive assistance with tax preparation and filing. These qualifications include low- to moderate-income residents, disabled residents, those with limited English, and rural residents.

To find out if you’re eligible and schedule an appointment, dial 211 during tax season or (352) 332-4636. Find out more at https://www.unitedwayncfl.org/VITA.

Paying For Medical Care

According to the Florida Hospital Association, nearly 50% of all hospital patients in 2017 were on Medicare, which is primarily used for those aged 65 or older. Of those patients using Medicare or Medicare Advantage, they spent $19.4 billion total in hospital finances.

Getting older is a reality of life but going broke from your hospital bills shouldn’t be a part of it. In Florida, there are a variety of programs you can turn to in order to make sure you have the best medical insurance for your life’s needs.

Health Insurance Counseling

Health Insurance Counseling can help you navigate the complications that are common to arise with Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance. .

Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)

SHINE is a free program offered through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Their mission is to help seniors navigate questions or issued related to medical insurance while providing supportive, unbiased assistance from a network of volunteers. SHINE locations are available throughout all counties in Florida, including the following locations below. For more information, visit http://www.floridashine.org/ or call (800) 963-5337. You can also view the full directory of locations by county here: http://www.floridashine.org/Counseling-Sites.aspx.

BenefitsCheckUp

BenefitsCheckUp is a quick, free way to enroll in both public and private benefits programs. Offered through the National Council on Aging, the online platform is easy to use and allows you to find the benefits that are best suited to your needs by filling out simple questionnaires. If qualified, the benefits it matches you to could help save you money on everything from prescriptions, utilities, taxes, nutrition, and more.

Florida Discount Drug Card

Utilizing the Florida Discount Drug Card program is a quick and easy way to help pay for your medical prescriptions in Florida. All Florida residents are eligible to enroll in the program for free, and the card is accepted at more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide.

For more information and to enroll online, visit https://www.floridadiscountdrugcard.com/. You can also enroll by phone at 1-866-341-8894.

Medicaid Programs

In the state of Florida, Medicaid eligibility is determined through the Department of Children and Families or the Social Security Administration if you’re receiving Social Security Income. For seniors, your eligibility will be determined by the DCF if you aren’t currently receiving SSI.

To apply for Medicaid, enroll easily and find more information at https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/medicaid.shtml. Online, you’ll also be able to check your application status, report a change, or find your local DCF office. To enroll online or for customer support, call (850) 300-4323.

Medical Insurance Assistance

The Florida Retirement System offers a Florida Health Insurance Subsidy that can help minimize the cost of your health insurance premiums. If you’re eligible, retirees and their beneficiaries will receive a monthly benefit with a minimum of $30 and maximum of $150 per month.

The HIS eligibility requirements include retirement under the FRS Pension Plan, termination of employment, and certified health insurance coverage.

Learn more at https://www.myfrs.com/Health_Insurance_Subsidy.htm or call (866) 446-9377.

Caregiver and Guardianship Programs in Florida

Caregiving support for seniors and their beneficiaries is an essential resource to utilize as you age. These agencies and organizations throughout Florida are here to help seniors and their families to continue living happy, healthy lifestyles.

Caregiver Support

Caregiver support in Florida is offered through the Department of Elder Affairs. Through this comprehensive agency, you can access the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which helps caregivers under a variety of circumstances. Whether you’re a caregiver for elder relatives or for minor and disabled children, the program can help you with individualized counseling, respite care, and supplemental services. For more information, visit the National Family Caregiver Support Program page.

The Department of Elder Affairs also offers Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families (RELIEF). This program offers respite care for family members who are caring for older seniors or those living with Alzheimer’s and other health disorders. Through the program, caregivers are matched with a multigenerational corps of volunteers who are carefully screened and vetted to step in and provide quality care when it’s time for the primary caregiver to take a break. Learn more at the Elder Affairs RELIEF page or call (850) 414-2374.

Grandparents Raising Children Services

Grandfamilies Organization

If you’re a grandparent raising your grandchild or in the care and custody of any child, chances are you’ll need unique support. Grandfamilies is a nationwide organization that serves as a legal support for grandfamilies and their needs. The organization can provide everything from adoption assistance, care and custody, financial assistance, housing, and even healthcare. You can find more information about Grandfamilies and their support online at grandfamilies.org.

Relatives as Parents Program of Jacksonville

If you live in North Florida, you have access to the Relatives as Parents Program of Jacksonville. This is a unique local offering for caregivers that provides support programs and resources. The program is open to grandparents and other relative caregivers who are aged 55 or older and caring for children under 18. Specifically, the program is designed to help these caregivers resume healthy aging practices while still caring for their loved ones.

This program is offered through Aging True Community Senior Services. You can find more information online, or call (904) 807-1203. Aging True is located at 4250 Lakeside Dr. Suite 116, Jacksonville, FL 32210.

Adult Guardianship

Some seniors may be in the situation where they do not have adequate income or assets, yet they don’t have access to family or loved ones to help. For this situation, the Department of Elder Affairs offers their Office of Public & Professional Guardians (OPPG). This program will appoint guardianship services to anyone without adequate income or the assets to afford a private guardian.

The OPPG regulates about 550 guardians across the state of Florida through placement, investigation, and monitoring. Find more information through the Department of Elder Affairs or call (850) 414-2318.

Comprehensive Long-Term Adult Care in Florida

Long-term adult care is a necessary resource for most aging seniors. According to the Florida Health Care Association, the median annual cost for a room in a nursing center is around $89,000 to $100,000. For an assisted living facility, the median cost is $48,000. Medicare tends to cover 19% of all long-term care spending, while Medicaid covers about 60%.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers

To get started finding the right long-term care for you, look to The Florida Department of Elder Affairs. The department administers programs and services for seniors through 11 Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). These ADRCs function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for any Floridians seeking long-term care resources. View several of the locations below, or find the full directory online at http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/arc.php.

Adult Care Services

Adult Care Services can include everything from transportation and companionship to end-of-life care and support for elders with Alzheimer’s or other memory disorders.

Senior Companion Program

The Senior Companion Program is offered through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to offer volunteer assistance with transportation to appointments, help shopping, meal prep, companionship, and more. The program can also provide respite care for senior caregivers. Overall, the program aims to boost beneficiaries’ sense of self-worth and confidence. View more information at the DOEA site or call (850) 414-2374. The program has five companion sites listed below.

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative and Memory Disorder Clinics

The Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative is for individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s or similar memory disorders. Through the program, respite care is available for caregivers as well as case management, specialized medical equipment and supplies, and counseling. These services can be accessed through the DOEA’s 11 Area Agencies on Aging, listed above. For more information, call (800) 963-5337.

Florida residents of any age who have a memory disorder are able to receive diagnostic evaluations and referral services through the 17 memory disorder clinics throughout the state. See several locations listed below, or visit the MDC directory for a full list of locations.

Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES)

CARES is Florida’s federally mandated pre-admission screening program for nursing home applicants. Seniors who request Medicaid reimbursement for nursing facility placement or seek home and community-based services are required to undergo an assessment through CARES. The assessment will then determine medical eligibility for a variety of Medicaid programs and services. Learn more at http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/cares.php.

Home Care for the Elderly (HCE Program)

The HCE Program supports Florida residents over the age of 60 living in any family-type arrangement within a private home as opposed to an institution or nursing home. Through the program, a basic subsidy is provided for support and maintenance, including some medical costs.

End-of-Life Care

End-of-Life Care is provided through a variety of organizations and agencies in Florida. Through the DOEA, you can view all agencies and find out which one is right for you and your family’s needs.

Community Care for the Elderly

Community Care for the Elderly is available through the Florida DOEA. Through this program, functionally impaired seniors are eligible to receive community-based services in an environment that suits their individual and financial needs. Service include counseling, escort, legal assistance, adult day care, respite, and more. The program is administered through the 52 Community Care for the Elderly lead agencies throughout the state. We’ve listed several locations below, but you can also view the full directory online. For more information, call the DOEA Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (5337).

Long-Term Care Services

If you’re looking for all-inclusive long-term care through the state, Florida offers two different programs through the DOEA.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Pace is for seniors who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid nursing home placement. The program provides comprehensive home and community-based services at a lower cost than traditional nursing home care. To enroll in the program, you must be 55 years or older, meet certain medical eligibility requirements, and be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, or Medicaid only. There are four PACE providers throughout Florida that serve Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dada, Palm Beach, and Pinellas county. Visit the PACE site for more information.

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program

For long-term care, some Florida residents can also access the SMMC program. Established in 2011, this program allows qualified Medicaid recipients to receive long-term care services from a long-term care managed care plan. Some of these services include adult companionship, hospice, medication management, occupational therapy, transportation, and more. View eligibility requirements and more at http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/smmcltc.php.

Senior Charities

Like most states, Florida offers a variety of both nation- and state-wide charities dedicated to aiding seniors and meeting their needs.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities USA provides financial and support resourced for a variety of demographics, including seniors. Some of their efforts include affordable housing, integrated health, food and nutrition, advocacy, and disaster relief. The charity currently has 7 locations throughout Florida, listed below. For more information, visit https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

People Helping People

People Helping People is a senior charity focused in Hernando County, Florida. It aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing food, education, training, and resources that aim to better those served. PHP is located at 1396 Kass Cir, Spring Hill, FL 24606 and can be reached at (352) 515-1663 for more information.

Lutheran Social Services

Lutheran Social Services is a state-wide organization dedicated to working with the elderly and disabled. Specifically, for adults and the elderly, they offer guardianship services as well as AIDS care and education.

Seniors First

Seniors First works to improve the elderly’s overall quality of life in Florida. They do so by offering meal programs, in-home care, medical equipment, and guardianship. Seniors First is located in Orlando, Florida with a satellite location in Bartow, FL. For more information, call (407) 292-0177.

Volunteers in Services of the Elderly

Volunteers in Services of the Elderly, also known as VISTE, is designed to help frail seniors throughout Florida to remain safe and independent as they age in place inside their own homes. To be eligible for VISTE’s services, you must be 70 years old and live in one of the communities that VISTE serves, which are Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, and Ft. Meade, Florida. Once accepted to the program, you’re eligible to receive transportation, groceries, hot meals, and personal care boxes. Find out more by dialing (863) 284-0828.

Aged Inc.

Aged Inc. is another statewide non-profit dedicated to assisting seniors and the disabled to qualify for government benefits, reduce medication costs, and preserve their assets. Beneficiaries include seniors over the age of 65 who need help qualifying for government benefits. Aged, Inc. is located at 1607 Cherrywood Lane, Longwood, FL 32750. Find out more by calling (407) 682-4111.

Jewish Community Services of the Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast JFCS has been serving Florida for nearly 60 years. The agency is non-religious and serves to provide the vulnerable with empowerment and freedom. Through JFCS, more than 500 employees support children, adults and seniors in 40 Florida counties. Their services for seniors include community care, egret housing, counseling, homemaking and companionship, and substance abuse prevention. Gulf Coast JFCS is located at 14041 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33760. The organization can be reached (727) 479-1800.

For the Love of Paws

For the Love of Paws is a Florida-based charity for seniors who are no longer able to care for their pets after being placed in a long-term care facility away from their home. The organization provides sanctuary and pet food so the seniors’ beloved pets are still well taken care of. For the Love of Paws is located at 12198 County Road 512, Fellsmere, FL 32958 and can be reached at (772) 539-2417.

Adult Protective Services in Florida

As we age, we may become more susceptible to situations that require our protection. For instance, memory disorders can cause seniors to get lost easily, and seniors are sometimes more vulnerable to crime.

Florida Silver Alert

The Florida Silver Alert is used to locate missing persons suffering from any type of memory disorder or intellectual deterioration. The alert is triggered when someone missing with this condition is also 60 years or older or deemed lacking the capacity to consent. A Silver Alert can be activated through the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse at (888) 356-4774 .

Seniors vs. Crime Project

The Seniors vs. Crime Project is a non-profit organization offered through the Florida Attorney General. Its purpose is to reduce the victimization of senior citizens who may targeted for crimes and scams based on their age. The project provides educational and prevention programs for seniors while also seeking restitution during appropriate instances. For more information, dial (800) 203-3099.

Elder Abuse Prevention and Hotline

The state of Florida recognizes that elder abuse is a serious crime that cannot go ignored. The DOEA has developed an Elder Abuse Prevention Program as well as an Elder Abuse Hotline to keep seniors safe and provide protection immediately when it’s needed. The program is designed to help increase awareness of elder abuse through training and educational materials. If you or a loved one is facing elder abuse, call the hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

Services for Seniors Aging in Place in Florida

One option many seniors prefer as they age is to stay in the same home they love and feel comfortable in. With the right caregiving and home modifications, this is absolutely possible. Furthermore, there are many local, state and nationwide resources to take advantage of that can help you feel the most comfortable as you age in place.

Energy Assistance

The DOEA offers an Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP). EHEAP provides low-income households with at least one person over the age of 60 when they’re in need of help through an energy emergency. This may include lack of service due to a late bill, lack of fuel, or the receipt of a shut-off notice. If eligible, the program can provide one benefit per season, up to $600 per season. Find out more online or dial the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.

Fall Prevention

Falling is one of the leading cause of injuries among Floridians aged 65 or older. For this reason, Florida Health Falls Prevention exists to provide intervention programs that can prevent falls as well as a Violence and Injury Prevention program located at 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

Certified Aging in Place Specialists

In order to help seniors age in place successfully, the Certified Aging in Place Specialist Program gives contractors the education they need to remodel homes safely and efficiently. The program is offered through the National Association of Home Builders and teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills that contractors need. Seniors aging in place can look for contractors with a CAPS designation to ensure that they’re qualified to make essential modifications for safety and independence. Find out more through the NAHB online.

Housing Assistance

The Florida DOEA offers Senior Housing Assistance through information related to buying, selling, and renting homes. Online, you can access a variety of resources, including the Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and the Florida Senior Living Association.

Transportation Services

While you’re aging in place, gain assistance heading to your appointments, getting your groceries, or simply traveling from point A to point B.

Find a Ride Florida

Find a Ride Florida is an easy-to-use online directory of transportation service providers for all of Florida’s 67 counties. You can input your travel location and destination as well as the purpose of your trip to find the best options.

Volunteers in Motion

Volunteers in Motion serves Brevard County, Florida with life-sustaining transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores. For more information, call (321) 635-7999.

Transerve

Senior Transerve also serves Brevard County, Florida by assisting seniors to their medical appointments, grocery shopping, and to visit loved ones. To qualify, seniors must be over 55 years old and capable of entering and exiting and vehicle by themselves. Contact (321) 806-3787 for more information.

Florida Senior Nutrition and Wellness

Maintaining your health as a senior is necessary to living a fulfilled, independent lifestyle. Throughout Florida, state and organizational resources exist to provide seniors with adequate exercise, nutrition, and recreation.

Congregate Meals

The Congregate Meal Site Program is administered through the Florida DOEA. Through 425 sites statewide, it offers nutritionally balanced meals, education, and nutrition risk screening for seniors and their spouses throughout the state. To qualify you must be 60 years or older. View the locations below or find a full list of Congregate Meal Sites online. For more information, call (850) 414-2000.

Food Banks

Food banks throughout Florida exist to provide those in need with free or reduced food so they’re able to maintain their nutrition and health.

Feeding Florida

Feeding Florida unites 12 Feeding America member food banks to provide food directly to individuals and communities in need. Find your location below or visit the Feeding Florida site for a full directory. You can also dial (855) 352-3663 for more information.

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank is located in Gainesville, Florida at 325 NW 10th Ave., Gainesville FL 32601. This food bank serves Gainesville seniors and greater Alachua by providing food on a monthly basis. Call (352) 336-0839 for more information.

All Faiths Food Bank

The All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties in Florida. It is a certified member of Feeding America. This food bank has a distribution schedule, but you can reach its headquarters at 8171 Blaikie Court, Sarasota, FL 34240 or by calling (941) 379-6333.

Harry Chapin Food Bank

The Harry Chapin Food Bank serves about 28,000 people per week throughout Southwest Florida. Including seniors, they also serve children, families, and veterans. The Fort Myers distribution center is located at 3760 Fowler St., Fort Myers, FL 33901, with a Collier County Center located at 3940 Prospect Ave., #101, Naples, FL 34101. Call (239) 334-7007 for more information.

First Step Food Bank

The First Step Food Bank serves Central Florida and Marion County through 44 partner agencies and 38 emergency food pantries. By working in partnership with local non-profit agencies, they’re able to distribute more than two million pounds of food products each year. The food bank is located at 4045 NE 36th Ave., Ocala, FL 34479, and they encourage to schedule an appointment at (352) 732-5500.

Second Harvest Food Bank

The Second Harvest Food Bank services 11 counties in the Big Bend, which have some of the highest levels of food insecurity in the U.S. There, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 5 children are considered food insecure. See below for a sample of locations throughout the Florida. Find the full directory and more information online at https://fightinghunger.org/.

Treasure Coast Food Bank

Treasure Coast Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization serving Florida’s Treasure Coast. It’s also the only food bank within the region they serve, which includes Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. The food bank is located at 401 Angle Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34947 and can be contacted at (772) 489-3034.

Senior Recreation and Fitness

Florida’s Senior Centers

Florida’s Senior Centers are offered through the DOEA and provide programs focused on senior physical and mental health, social wellbeing, nutrition, education, and recreation. There are currently 260 senior centers throughout Florida and are operated by a variety of organizations – both non-profit and private. View some of the senior centers by region below, or visit the Senior Centers page for more information.

UF Health

UF Health is located in North Florida at the University of Florida. The campus offers a senior recreation center at 5701 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32653 that’s open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, you can call at (352) 265-9040.

City of Clermont Arts and Recreation

The City of Clermont Arts and Recreation offers senior programs that include social activities, fitness classes, discussion groups, lectures, field trips, and more. It’s located at 3700 Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34711 in Central Florida. Call (352) 394-3500 for more information.

Miami-Dade Parks’ Active Older Adults

In South Florida, seniors in Miami-Dade County can access the Miami-Dade Parks’ Active Older Adults Program. Through this program, seniors 55 and older are offered fitness, leisure, and social activities to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Visit 275 NW 2nd Street, Miami, FL 33128 or call (305) 755-7800 for more information.

St. Petersburg Parks & Rec

On Florida’s Gulf Coast, seniors in St. Petersburg have access to adult and senior programs through St. Petersburg Parks and Rec. These programs include education, exercise, entertainment and activities that increase overall quality of life. Visit http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/adultprograms/ for a list of participating locations in the area, or call (727) 893-7441.

Winter Springs Senior Center

In East Florida, seniors are able to access the Senior Springs Senior Center. There, seniors have their choice of daily programs that include art, exercise, and games. Visit the senior center at 400 N Edgemon Ave., Winter Springs, FL 32708 or call (407) 327-6554.

YMCA & YWCA

Both the YMCA and YWCA offer senior-specific programs for both men and women. On either site, you can find the locations nearest you and see the specific programs that are offered there. For more information, call your location through the online directory.

Meal Delivery Services

Meals on Wheels America is a nationwide meal delivery service dedicated to making it easy and affordable for seniors to enjoy hot, fresh meals delivered straight to their doorstep. Find the location nearest you listed below or visit the Meals on Wheels site for more location options.