For older adults across West Florida, access to nutritious meals is more than a service. It is a lifeline that supports independence, health, and connection. The Council on Aging of West Florida plays a critical role in delivering that support to the community each day.
Strong partnerships make that work possible. For years, the Council on Aging of West Florida has partnered with TRIO Community Meals to ensure older adults receive high-quality meals they can rely on.
Recently, Craig Shumaker, Community Services Director at the Council on Aging in West Florida (COAWFL), shared insights into how this collaboration continues to strengthen their program and the older adults they serve.
About the Council on Aging in West Florida
COAWFL is a local, independent nonprofit organization that has served older adults since 1972. Their mission is to help older adults in Escambia and Santa Rose Counties live safe, independent lives in the comfort of their own familiar surroundings.
Through community-based, in-home programs and services such as Meals on Wheels and Alzheimer’s respite care, COAWFL provides vital support to older adults and caregivers. Additional programs include:
- Case management
- Caregiver support and training
- Senior dining sites
- Volunteer and mentoring initiatives
- Social service assistance
Today, COAWFL serves more than 2,200 older adults across the two counties, including nearly 500 Meals on Wheels participants. Their impact is remarkable with:
- 125,000 meals delivered
- Over 133,000 volunteer hours
- More than 90 respite clients supported
- 200 students mentored
- 300 caregivers assisted
- Over 1,200 social service clients served
Supporting programs like COAWFL reflects TRIO’s commitment to providing reliable meal solutions that strengthen senior nutrition programs.
A Partnership Built Over Two Decades
For more than 20 years, TRIO has supported COAWFL’s meal program. When the partnership first began, it primarily included frozen meals. However, as the needs of older adults have evolved, TRIO now provides both frozen and hot meals daily.
Craig emphasized how important it is to keep participants’ preferences at the center of every decision: “We try to keep the menu related to what the participants like. We get a lot of input, and we keep them in mind with every menu decision.” Quarterly menu reviews help ensure meals remain both nutritious and familiar, supporting satisfaction and dignity for every participant served.
Making a Difference One Meal at a Time
The work COAWFL does is essential each day. For many participants, the meal delivered may be the only hot, nutritious food they receive. Craig shared just how critical these services are:
“If they aren’t getting a hot meal from us, sometimes they don’t eat. We’re making someone’s day one meal at a time.”
That impact–one meal, one visit, one moment of care–can truly change someone’s day.
TRIO’s Support Beyond the Meal
TRIO supports COAWFL not only through meal service but by managing backend operations that allow their team to stay focused on serving older adults in the community. Craig reflected on the value of that partnership:
“Without the partnership with TRIO, I don’t think we would be as successful at what we do.”
TRIO also stands beside our partners during challenging times. When Hurricane Shelly impacted the area, COAWFL distributed TRIO’s shelf-stable meals with support from TRIO team member Mandy Grubbs. Craig shared deep appreciation for Mandy’s communication and hands-on support during that critical moment and beyond.
Looking Ahead for the Council on Aging in West Florida
As COAWFL looks towards the future, its goal is to expand services to reach even more older adults in underserved areas. “In the future, our goal is to open more dining sites in underserved areas while keeping our work consistent while expanding.” With TRIO’s continued support, Craig believes this growth is possible and that together, they can serve even more individuals with care, consistency, and compassion.
Partner with TRIO to Make a Greater Impact
At TRIO, partnerships like the one we share with the Council on Aging in West Florida remind us why we do what we do. When organizations come together around a shared commitment to serving older adults, the impact extends far beyond a single meal. As we continue to support programs like COAWFL, we remain dedicated to helping our partners grow, adapt, and serve with excellence.
If you’re interested in learning how TRIO can support your program, contact us today to start the conversation. Together, we can make a difference.
