Baker County Groups Outline Health, Senior and Food Assistance Resources

A range of county departments, non-profit providers and faith-based ministries together offer health care, senior services, transportation and food assistance across Baker County, giving residents direct contacts for benefit enrollment, meals and emergency relief.

The Baker County Council on Aging in Macclenny is central to local senior services. The council states, “We provide Senior Services for Seniors 60 years of age and older.” It operates transportation programs for the “Transportation Disadvantaged” and runs shuttle services to Duval County and Columbia County. The council’s materials include two mission statements: “Our Mission is to enable seniors in our community to overcome life's challenges by facilitating their independence and enhancing the quality of their lives, helping them to remain in the comfort of their own homes.” and “We are here to help Seniors of Baker County overcome life’s challenges by facilitating their independence and enhancing the quality of their lives, helping them remain in the comfort of their own home as long as possible.” The council also appeals for community support: “Your contributions help provide services such as, hot meals to our aging population. We also provide caretakers with much needed Respite Care.” Board meetings are scheduled as follows: “Board Meetings are at 5:30pm every 3rd Monday of each month at the Transportation Department. Contact the COA for an agenda.”

Note that the Council on Aging listing from one county directory does not include a phone number; a community service listing provides COUNCIL ON AGING at (904) 259-2223. Residents seeking rides, Friendship Center programming or respite care should call ahead to confirm eligibility, schedules and any fees.

Public health and benefits contacts include the Baker County Service Center at (904) 259-2206 for TANF, food stamps and Medicaid, with an alternate food stamps contact at (866) 762-2237. The Baker County Health Department is reachable at (904) 259-6291 for WIC, school health, maternity care, dental services, birth certificates and immunizations. WIC’s regional line for supplemental foods and nutrition education is 1-800-342-3556. The Baker County Extension Service (904) 259-3520 provides home economics, family management and nutritional information.

Food security and emergency assistance options include the American Red Cross (NE Florida) at (904) 358-8091 for emergency food, clothing and shelter, and Angel Food Ministries at 770-267-7015 or 1-888-819-3745 for large-box food purchases at a stated $30 unit. Local pantries and ministries with phone numbers and locations are Bradford Ecumenical Ministry, 904-964-3984, 321 W Andrews Street, Starke; True Vine Ministries, 904-964-9264, 422 N St Clair Street, Starke; and Lake Area Ministries, 352-473-2846, 330 Palmetto Street, Keystone Heights. United Way’s 2-1-1 service provides referrals for food, housing, employment and health care; dial 211 for help.

Services for people with disabilities and supported living include Step Forward Activities, Inc., which “operates residences in Baker County, striving to create a home-like atmosphere while fostering individuals' rights, community inclusion, and person-centered planning.” Step Forward presents the line “Home is not where you live, but where they understand you” ~ Christian Morganstern; the excerpt includes no phone or address, so callers should request updated contact information.

Alcoholics Anonymous (904) 399-8535 and Al-Anon (904) 350-0600 provide recovery and family support contacts. Additional county resources include the Baker County Youth Hope Center at (904) 259-1735 and child protection reporting at 800-962-2873.

For Baker County residents, the practical steps are straightforward: use the phone numbers above to confirm hours, eligibility and intake procedures before traveling for services. Several entries and agency contacts in community listings are fragmented or lack full addresses; verify details with providers for the most current information and to ensure access to transportation, meals and medical referrals.