Madison Tower Apartments is a low income housing facility geared toward single adults with physical or mental challenges. The activities director periodically invites community partners to provide relevant information to the residents on health, wellness, finances and insurance. As a large number of the residents are limited in transportation, this is the only way they may otherwise obtain information needed to make important life decisions.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (Snap-Ed) Assistant was invited by the activities director to set up an information table about the program. Several residents had never heard of Extension or the Nutrition program and were very interested. The Snap-Ed Assistant scheduled an eight week nutrition class with the director following the event. There were four residents that attended, all with health concerns and dietary limitations. MyPlate, Know the Limits, Planning meals, Reading Labels, Eating Better on a Budget, Keeping Food Safe, Breakfast Made Easy, and Cooking is Healthy for Everybody Lessons were taught during the eight week session. At the end of the eight weeks, the residents asked the Assistant to offer an advanced course. So after a short break for the holidays the assistant offered another eight week session. This time, they learned hands on cooking techniques for each of the food groups and what each food group does in your body.  Included were Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Protein, Dairy, Fiber and Good Health for Everybody.

All four participants reported feeling better and having more energy as well as cooking meals together and walking together after supper. One even reported that she had lost 22 pounds and dropped A1C levels enough for her doctor to take her off taking several medications.