News Release - Pound for Pound Challenge Inspires Community to Lose Weight and Feed the Hungry

City of Rochester

News Release

(Tuesday, Jan. 12) - Foodlink and the City of Rochester are partnering for the Pound for Pound Challenge to fight hunger and build a healthy community. The Pound for Pound Challenge, sponsored by Feeding America, General Mills, and NBC’s The Biggest Loser, is in its second year of helping America “Lose Nationally, Feed Locally.” For each pound participants pledge to lose, 14 cents – enough for one pound of food – is donated to help Foodlink fight hunger in our community.

Mayor Robert Duffy, the Pound for Pound Challenge Champion, encourages all area residents to take the Challenge. “This is a great opportunity for the community to unite around health and wellness, while simultaneously helping those in need,” Mayor Duffy said.

Recent data from the U.S. government shows that more than 49 million Americans, or 1 in 6 people, are “food insecure,” meaning they lack consistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious food. This is the highest total in 14 years.

“This is an alarming number. It is tragic that so many people in our community don’t have regular access to food,” said Jeanette Batiste, Foodlink’s Chief Operating Officer. “We can all help our neighbors in need by participating in the Pound for Pound Challenge.”

To join the Challenge, people can visit www.pfpchallenge.com and enter their weight loss goals. Pledges will be accepted until June 30. Challengers in Foodlink’s 10-county service area lost a total of 16,054 pounds in the 2009 Challenge. This year’s goal is to surpass 50,000 pounds. For more information visit www.pfpchallenge.com or www.foodlinkny.org.

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New Media: For more information contact Maria Oberst, Foodlink Community Relations Manager, at 328-3380 x156