The Council on Aging of West Florida is facing a critical funding shortfall that threatens essential services for thousands of seniors across Northwest Florida—but a significant investment from Covenant Health and Community Services may provide the lifeline needed to keep vital programs running.
- Covenant Health announced $500,000 in funding for the organization, with $420,000 designated for immediate operational needs and an additional $80,000 for kitchen expansion to improve long-term sustainability.
The Perfect Storm
The funding crisis stems from multiple converging factors. Federal allocations under the Older Americans Act have decreased by $150,000 over the past year—the second consecutive annual reduction. Meanwhile, food costs have surged approximately 9%, far outpacing the modest 3% increases that federal funding historically provided. Additional cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency have compounded the challenge.
- “Council on Aging of West Florida provides essential services that protect the health, dignity, and independence of thousands of older adults in our community,” said Josh Newby, President and CEO. “These reductions in funding jeopardize the very programs that allow seniors to remain safely in their homes and out of costly institutional care.”
Programs on the Line
The funding deficit has already forced difficult decisions. The Congregate Meal Program, which once provided hot meals five days weekly, now operates just three days per week with one meal being shelf-stable. The $170,000 allocation will restore full service.
Meals on Wheels demand continues outpacing resources. The $180,000 designated for this program will help align capacity with documented need, ensuring home-delivered meals and wellness checks reach vulnerable seniors.
In-Home Support Services, which allow seniors to remain in their residences at roughly one-tenth the cost of nursing home care, will receive $70,000 to sustain operations during the state funding downturn.
Building for the Future
The additional $80,000 for kitchen expansion represents strategic thinking beyond immediate crisis management. Converting the current adult day care kitchen into a full commercial facility will increase production capacity, reduce costs, and strengthen long-term program sustainability.
“The requested assistance is not only an investment in sustaining services today but also in ensuring efficiency and resilience for years to come,” Newby said. “Our seniors have contributed immeasurably to this community. It is our responsibility to ensure they continue to receive the care and support they deserve.”
- Kent Skolrood, Chairman of Covenant Health and Community Services, said the organization’s Funding Committee identified gaps in healthcare delivery where funding could quickly serve the community. The investment represents Covenant Health’s transition toward becoming a funding organization working with local providers following the sale of Covenant Hospice services.