Dieters bank lost weight, donate 31,048 pounds to Arizona food banks

During a six-week period that began Aug. 30, Weight Watchers members in Arizona gave nonperishable food equivalent to their weight losses to date -- 31,048 pounds -- to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, United Food Bank and Community Food Bank, among others.

“Weight Watchers members in Arizona have made a significant impact during a time of unprecedented need in the food banks’ history,” said Deborah Wright, general manager at Weight Watchers of Arizona, a franchise of Weight Watchers International, Inc. “We thank both members and staff for their utmost generosity and taking the time to help support others.”

The local effort was part of Weight Watchers national second annual Lose for Good campaign, created to empower people to get healthier while also giving back to others in need. The program addressed obesity, chronic hunger and malnutrition.

"Lose For Good was designed to further inspire Weight Watchers members as they take the first step on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle," Wright said. "In doing so they assisted others, as every pound lost equaled a world of good. Hunger relief organizations in our communities and around the world are being stretched like never before."

In addition, for the same time period that began Aug. 30 and ended Oct. 17, Weight Watchers International will donate the cost of one pound of food to Share Our Strength, which works to make sure no child in America grows up hungry, and Action Against Hunger, which provides immediate and long-term solutions for hunger to people around the world. The national goal: a $1 million donation made in honor of its members nationwide.

“At weekly Weight Watchers meetings members learn that even a small change, like losing as little as 5 percent of body weight, may bring rewards such as lower cholesterol levels and reduced blood pressure,” said Wright. “Similarly, providing nutritious food to families dealing with hunger can make a big difference in their lives. Again, we salute all Arizona members and staff who participated in this very worthwhile campaign.”

For information about Weight Watchers programs, services and meeting schedules, call 1-800-651-6000 or visit http://www.WeightWatchers.com/Arizona.  For information about the Lose for Good campaign, visit http://www.WeightWatchers.com or www.loseforgood.com.