Bridge Across Georgia

Transportation, Meals & Everyday Support

Series 2 of 4

Connecting Communities. Sharing Resources.

Access to reliable transportation, nutritious meals, and opportunities for social connection can make an important difference in an older adult’s ability to remain healthy and independent.

In the second installment of our Bridge Across Georgia: Athens senior resource series, we are highlighting verified programs that help older adults travel to essential destinations, receive food assistance, stay active, and remain connected to their community.

Featured Organization Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA)

The Athens Community Council on Aging is the primary senior-services hub in the Athens area. Its programs address practical needs such as meals and transportation while also helping older adults maintain their independence, wellness, and community connections. Athens Community Council on Aging

Official Website: www.accaging.org

Meals and Nutrition

ACCA Meals on Wheels

ACCA’s Meals on Wheels program serves older adults and adults with disabilities in Clarke and Barrow counties. Volunteers provide nutritious meals along with a friendly visit, safety check, and continued connection to the community. ACCA reports delivering more than 68,000 meals annually to over 300 participants. Athens Community Council on Aging

The Meals on Wheels program also includes Will’s Pet Pantry, which helps participating clients care for their pets when supplies are available. Athens Community Council on Aging

Because demand can exceed available funding, prospective participants should check directly with ACCA regarding eligibility, current openings, and any waiting list.

Official Program Page: ACCA Meals on Wheels

Center for Active Living Plus

The Center for Active Living Plus provides meals, activities, and opportunities for older adults to gather and remain socially connected. Funding may be available for Athens-Clarke County residents age 60 and older, depending on eligibility and current resources. Athens Community Council on Aging

Official Program Page: Center for Active Living Plus

Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia connects residents with food pantries, community kitchens, distribution centers, and mobile food pantries throughout the region. Its online Find Food directory is a helpful starting point for older adults or caregivers seeking additional grocery assistance. Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

Mobile pantry locations and dates change, so visitors should review the current schedule before going to a distribution.

Official Website: www.foodbanknega.org

Food Assistance Directory: Find Food

Mobile Pantry Schedule: Mobile Pantry Locations

Transportation Assistance

ACCA Transportation Program

ACCA provides scheduled transportation for adults age 60 and older. The service helps eligible older adults access important destinations and continue participating in community life.

Qualifying low-income participants may receive transportation without a direct charge, although donations are encouraged. ACCA currently lists a fee for riders whose income is above the applicable threshold, so applicants should confirm current rates and service boundaries directly with the organization. (Athens Community Council on Aging -)

Official Program Page: ACCA Transportation

Athens-Clarke County Transit

Athens-Clarke County Transit currently operates fare-free fixed-route bus service throughout Athens-Clarke County. Riders can use the county’s official transit website to view routes, schedules, service alerts, and trip-planning information. Athens-Clarke County Government

Official Website: Athens-Clarke County Transit

The Lift Paratransit Service

The Lift is Athens-Clarke County’s ADA paratransit service for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using regular fixed-route buses.

It provides shared, curb-to-curb transportation within its established service area. Riders must apply and qualify before using the service, and trips generally must be scheduled in advance. Athens-Clarke County currently states that The Lift is also fare-free. Athens-Clarke County Government

Official Program Page: The Lift Paratransit Service

Staying Active and Connected

Center for Active Living

ACCA’s Center for Active Living serves adults age 50 and older through fitness, education, recreation, social activities, and opportunities to build meaningful community connections. Athens Community Council on Aging

Programs and calendars may change throughout the year, so residents should visit the official site for the latest schedule and enrollment information.

Official Program Page: Center for Active Living

Adult Day Health

ACCA also operates an Adult Day Health program that provides supervised activities, meals, wellness assistance, and social engagement for adults who may need additional support during the day.

Transportation is available for participating clients who live within the program’s stated service area, with expanded transportation potentially available for qualifying Medicaid participants. Athens Community Council on Aging

Official Program Page: ACCA Adult Day Health

Where to Begin

The best starting point will depend on the type of help needed:

• Contact ACCA for senior transportation, Meals on Wheels, community dining, Adult Day Health, and senior wellness programs.

• Visit Athens-Clarke County Transit for fare-free public transportation.

• Review The Lift for disability-related paratransit eligibility.

• Use the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia directory to locate nearby food pantries and current mobile distributions.

Availability, eligibility, transportation boundaries, and waiting lists may change. Always review the official program website before applying or traveling to a service location.

How The Bridge United Can Help

The Bridge United connects individuals and families with trusted community resources.

While we do not administer these programs, we can help residents identify an appropriate starting point, locate official program information, and prepare questions before contacting a service provider.

Rooted in Community. Powered by Connection.

Coming Next

Series 3 of 4

Benefits, Medicare & Caregiver Resources

We will highlight Medicare counseling, public-benefit navigation, caregiver support, respite services, dementia resources, senior employment assistance, legal help, and programs for grandparents raising grandchildren.