News & Press Releases Archive
HEALTHY WEIGHT COMMITMENT FOUNDATION AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION AWARD MORE THAN $100,000 IN PRIZES TO DESERVING SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE AS PART OF HEALTHY LIVING INITIATIVE
-- Elementary Schools in Kentucky and North Carolina Win $30,000 in Grants, New Playground Equipment to Enhance School and Community Wellness--
--Connecticut School Rewarded with $20,000 for Creating Innovative Program Designed to Combat Childhood Obesity--
Silver Spring, Md. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF), a CEO-led coalition of more than 275 organizations dedicated to helping families and schools fight childhood obesity, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, announced today the winners of the 2015 Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes and Smart from the Start Awards, annually offered incentive programs from Together Counts™. Designed to encourage students to live active and healthy lives, these programs aim to increase the impact of health and wellness programs both in and out of school, and will ultimately award more than $100,000 in prizes to deserving schools across the nation.
We’re Going Back To Counting Calories…And Here’s Why That’s A Good Thing
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation’s Lisa Gable Named March of Dimes 2014 Heroines of Washington Finalist
Washington, D.C. Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation is proud to announce that Lisa Gable is a finalist for the 14th Annual Heroines of Washington. The awards program will honor and acknowledge the significant contributions of women in the Washington, D.C. area who exemplify leadership in volunteer community service.
This year’s finalists include women dedicated to programs that support cancer patients and their families, transitional housing for young mothers and children, breaking the cycle of poverty, and survivors of abuse among numerous other causes. Ms. Gable is being recognized for her volunteer and support for women and girls through her service on the boards of Girl Scouts of the USA and ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists), her service as Vice Chair of the Defense Advisory Committee for Women in the Services and her time on the Board of Directors for San Francisco Junior League, where she focused on raising awareness of domestic violence through the Silent Witness Initiative.
STATEMENT BY LISA GABLE PRESIDENT OF THE HEALTHY WEIGHT COMMITMENT FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES THE ALLIANCE FOR A HEALTHIER GENERATION
STATEMENT BY LISA GABLE PRESIDENT OF THE HEALTHY WEIGHT COMMITMENT FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES THE ALLIANCE FOR A HEALTHIER GENERATION AND THE AMERICAN BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION ON THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE
“Today the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the American Beverage Association announced that they have made a commitment to the Clinton Global Initiative to reduce beverage calories consumed in the United States by 20% by 2025.
Food Industry Leaders Finding Ways to Help Solve Nation’s Obesity Epidemic
New studies show companies pledging to help reduce obesity have cut trillions of calories from U.S. market and are major contributors to declining caloric purchases among American families.
Princeton, N.J.—Sixteen major food and beverage companies acting together as part of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) sold 6.4 trillion fewer calories in the United States in 2012 than they did in 2007, according to a study published today in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The companies collectively pledged to remove 1 trillion calories from the marketplace by 2012, and 1.5 trillion by 2015. An independent evaluation funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) found that, thus far, the companies have exceeded their 2015 pledge by more than 400 percent.
Statement by Lisa Gable, President, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation on the Publication of RWJF Evaluation of the Calorie Commitment in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine
Today, a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM) and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has confirmed that the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) companies have removed 6.4 trillion calories from the marketplace, exceeding their May 2010 pledge to First Lady Michelle Obama to remove 1.5 trillion calories from the marketplace by 2015.
All of the member companies worked diligently to reduce calories in the marketplace by either introducing new lower calorie products, single-serve packages and/or changing the recipes of existing products. The largest calorie cuts came from sweets and snacks; cereals, granolas and other grain products; fats, oils and dressings; and beverages.
HEALTHY WEIGHT COMMITMENT FOUNDATION AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION LAUNCH BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROGRAM FEATURING ALL-NEW RESOURCES TO EMPOWER STUDENTS TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD OBESITY
- Impact Study Reveals Together Counts™ Program Significantly Improves Student Understanding About Importance of Physical Activity, Nutrition and Living a Balanced Lifestyle -
Silver Spring, Md. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF), a CEO-led organization driving a national, multi-year effort designed to help reduce childhood obesity, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, announced today the back-to-school launch of the Together Counts™ program. Established in 2009 with the launch of the first ever Energy Balance curriculum in 2010, the Together Counts program is a comprehensive initiative designed to positively impact students to live active and healthy lives, and to understand key concepts of balancing food intake with exercise for energy balance.
Executive Profile Tackling a weighty issue Lisa Gable, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation
From the Washington Business Journal
By: Chloe Johnson
Lisa Gable has bounced between public and private enterprises from Washington to Silicon Valle, even serving as the U.S. commissioner general to the 2005 World Expo in Japan. In 2009, she landed at the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a coalition of the food industry’s biggest heavyweights (think: Hershey Co., The Coca Cola Co. PepsiCo, Nestle, Kellogg Co., Kraft Foods and General Mills) that works to reduce obesity. The foundation grew from 21 founding members to more than 200 in two years. And she's committed to the cuase — unless there’s Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food lying around...
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and Boy Scouts of America Join Forces to Encourage Kids to Lead Healthier, More Active Lifestyles
Washington D.C. - The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) and the Boy Scouts of America® (BSA) today announced an alliance that will focus on bringing awareness to the issue of childhood obesity. Together, HWCF and the BSA will work to promote solutions that help children achieve a healthy lifestyle through an energy-balanced approach.
The Boy Scouts of America, one of the nation’s largest and most prominent youth development organizations, launched a healthy living initiative, SCOUTStrong®, in 2011. The program encourages children to be active 60 minutes a day, five days a week for six weeks.
Food Companies contribute to reducing obesity with 6.4 trillion calories cut per year
Every day, Americans take in an average of 100 calories more per day than they need. If we reduce that number, we can halt the rise of obesity by 2020.
In May 2010, the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation made a commitment to First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America to reduce 1.5 trillion calories from the marketplace by the end of 2015.
Food and Beverage Companies contribute to reducing obesity with 6.4 trillion calories cut per year: Infographic
Major Food, Beverage Companies Remove 6.4 Trillion Calories from U.S. Marketplace.
Independent evaluation finds industry exceeded Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation pledge to remove 1.5 trillion calories by more than 400 percent.
Princeton, N.J.—Sixteen of the nation’s leading food and beverage companies sold 6.4 trillion fewer calories in the United States in 2012 than they did in 2007, according to the findings of an independent evaluation funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and announced today. The companies, acting together as part of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF), pledged to remove 1 trillion calories from the marketplace by 2012, and 1.5 trillion by 2015. The evaluation found that, thus far, the companies have exceeded their 2015 pledge by more than 400 percent.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation members exceed their calorie reduction goal by 400%: Infographic
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and Discovery Education Win Colorado Foundation Nutrition Policy Video Contest
$1000 award to be gifted to subject of winning video, Sheldon Elementary School in Richmond, CA
Washington, D.C. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) today announced that their Energy Balance 4 Kids with Play (EB4K) program and Sheldon Elementary in Richmond, California were awarded $1000 for the Nutrition Policy Video Contest from the Colorado Foundation for Health and the Environment. EB4K is an evidence-based program that promotes nutrition, physical activity, and energy balance knowledge and behavior changes in kids led by Registered Dietitian (RD) Nutrition Coaches and Recess Coaches.
HEALTHY WEIGHT COMMITMENT FOUNDATION, NATIONAL PTA AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION ANNOUNCES CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE COMMITMENT: PRE-K SMART FROM THE START GRANT PROGRAM
-- New Program Offers Schools, Parents and the Community $500,000 in Grants, Training and Awards --
Silver Spring, Md. –The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF), National PTA® and Discovery Education, announced today their Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action, Smart from Start. An early childhood education grant program, Smart from the Start, offers critically important healthy living resources to preschoolers and their families across the nation.
Dorchester school’s passion for health and wellness wins it a big grant
By Todd Feathers
Globe Correspondent
The students at Russell Elementary School do not have a gymnasium, and their reheated lunches are devoid of leafy greens, but the Dorchester school’s passion for health and wellness has earned it national recognition and a surprise gift from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Lower-calorie foods and beverages dramatically boosted revenue at 16 food and beverage companies that account for nearly $100 billion in annual sales
Lower-calorie products are driving a disproportionate share of the sales growth for many of the U.S.’s largest food and beverage companies, according to a newly released Hudson Institute study, Lower-Calorie Foods and Beverages Drive Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Companies’ Sales Growth.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMPANIES SURPASS 2015 GOAL OF REDUCING CALORIES IN THE U.S. THREE YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Exceeds Goal of Reducing 1.5 Trillion Calories in the Marketplace
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 30, 2013) – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) today announced that America’s top food and beverage companies have exceeded their goal of reducing 1.5 trillion calories in the marketplace in the United States. This announcement comes three years after a 2010 commitment by the HWCF, and its 16 food and beverage corporate partners, to the First Lady’s Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) to reduce calories by 1.5 trillion by 2015.
Lower Calorie Foods Drive Sales: Infographic
HEALTHY WEIGHT COMMITMENT FOUNDATION AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION EXTEND REACH IN FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD OBESITY WITH LAUNCH OF SPANISH VERSION OF POPULAR TOGETHER COUNTS™ WEBSITE
‘Juntos Contamos’ Provides Spanish Resources to Help More Families Lead Active, Healthy Lives
Additional Pre-K Resources Bring Active Healthy Living Awareness to a Younger Audience
Silver Spring, Md. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and Discovery Education are reinforcing their commitment to deepen active, healthy lifestyle resources with the launch of a Spanish language version of the popular Together Counts™ website. The new site, Juntos Contamos, will host neutral Spanish versions of school, home, and community resources on how to live a healthier life from TogetherCounts.com.
HEALTHY WEIGHT COMMITMENT FOUNDATION AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION KICK-OFF THE SCHOOL YEAR OFFERING MORE THAN $150,000 IN PRIZES FOR SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE
-- Together Counts™ Initiative Helps Students Stay Healthy at School and at Home Through Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes, Find Your Balance Challenge and USDA’s HealthierUS Schools Challenge --
-- Playworld Systems, Good Sports and Wyndham Resorts Sign On As Premiere Prizing Partners --
Silver Spring, Md. – Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF), a CEO-led organization driving a national, multi-year effort designed to help reduce obesity – especially childhood obesity – by 2015, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of high quality curriculum-based digital content to U.S. schools, have re-launched TogetherCounts.com to provide schools nationwide with funds and resources to build healthy environments and help reduce childhood obesity.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, Discovery Education and Sports Authority Award $50,000 in Prizes to Find Your Balance Challenge Winners
South Carolina, Arizona and Illinois Schools Selected For Creating Unique Programs Enacting Practical Improvements to Nutrition and Physical Activity
New TogetherCounts.com Website Offers Educators and Families a One-Stop-Shop for Energy Balance Curriculum, Tools and Tips, Games and More
May 21, 2012 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) and Discovery Education, in partnership with...
FIRST LADY MAUREEN MCDONNELL PRESENTS DUPONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WITH HEALTHY PLAYGROUND MAKEOVER
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, Discovery Education, Playworld Systems and Sports Authority to Award School a New Playground and $30,000 Worth of Sporting Equipment
May 4, 2012 (Hopewell, VA) - Today, the First Lady of Virginia, Mrs. Maureen McDonnell, visited Dupont Elementary School to present them with the Grand Prize in the Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes, which includes a brand new playground from Playworld Systems and $30,000 worth of sporting equipment from Sports Authority.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and Discovery Education Recognize Schools Fostering Healthy Environments through USDA’s HealthierUS Schools Challenge
National program provides cash rewards and needed training to schools promoting nutrition and physical activity
Washington, D.C - The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) and Discovery Education today announced the three winners of their HealthierUS Schools Challenge Sweepstakes. Oak Grove Lower School of Hattiesburg, Miss., won grand prize and will receive $10,000 to advance their school’s physical education and food service programs.
Winners of the Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes Announced
$100,000 in prizes awarded to schools across the country from The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, Discovery Education and partners Sports Authority and Playworld Systems
New This Year, One Grand Prize Designated to Title 1 School
Washington, D.C. - The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) and Discovery Education, in partnership with Sports Authority and Playworld Systems, today announced the winners of the annual Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes.
Girl Scouts of the USA, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Launch Customized Journeys to Start Young Girls on a Course to Active, Healthy Lifestyles
WASHINGTON D.C. – In its continuing efforts to encourage healthy physical activity and nutritious eating, the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) has entered into a new partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to provide a turnkey customization of three Journey books (the national Girl Scout leadership curriculum) that will offer a focus on health and wellness. This will enable Daisies, Brownies and Juniors to learn how to be leaders who take care of themselves and inspire others to do the same.
The partnership will build on the organizations’ areas of proven expertise to reach young girls with information about how to pursue an active, healthy lifestyle.
Students Get Internships to Encourage Family Activities and Family Meals
Eat, Play, Love – and Help Beat America’s Obesity Problem
WASHINGTON D.C. – The biggest threat posed by obesity in America is to young people. So it makes sense to enlist young people to help meet the challenge.
That is exactly what three national organizations concerned about the obesity problem are doing. The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF), United Way Worldwide, and Saatchi & Saatchi are co-sponsoring summer internships for university students.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation launches national family-centered campaign to curb obesity
Together Counts™ program invites American families to take pledge to work together against obesity
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation – a 160-member organization committed to reducing obesity - especially childhood obesity – today launched a national campaign called the Together Counts™ program that encourages families to eat meals together and engage in physical activities together to help counter obesity and promote good health.
Towards sustainable food production
The Prince of Wales, a long-time advocate of local, organic, and sustainable food production, delivered the keynote address at "The Future of Food" conference hosted by Washington Post Live at Georgetown University...
Workplace Wellness Website Expands Content to Address Needs of Small and Mid-Size Business
WASHINGTON D.C. – YourWellnessAdvantage.com, a free workplace wellness resource for small and mid-size businesses from the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, has expanded its online services in response to results from a recent survey of benefits managers. The new services include a Wellness Services Locator, which helps businesses find local providers of wellness, nutrition and fitness programs; a Content Curation service featuring articles and blogs from leading business and benefits management sources; and a community forum where business executives can exchange questions, ideas and best practices.
“Welcome to the NFL” says Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation today welcomed the NFL as the Foundation’s 150th member. This new relationship combines a popular and respected sports icon with a national organization of business and public interest organizations in a common commitment to reducing obesity.
“This is a touchdown for the cause of physical activity among kids,” said HWCF executive director Lisa Gable. “The NFL is not only a symbol of physical fitness and physical activity, but has already proven to be a significant force in curbing obesity among kids, through NFL Play 60.”
Employers make worker wellness a priority – now, to get employees to follow suit
By Lisa Gable
Our physical and economic health are linked, and that represents a competitive problem for the American economy. Half of an individual’s health status results from their lifestyle – more than genetics and environment combined. But too many Americans lead lifestyles that undermine our health, increasing employer costs and decreasing productivity. A study released this month by the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation shows that large employers are investing in a solution – workplace wellness programs.
National Organization Pursues Wellness as a Priority of African-American Community
By Lisa Gable
1963 was a critical year for African-Americans. Dr. Martin Luther King led the March on Washington. President John F. Kennedy called for a Civil Rights Act. African-American leaders throughout America intensified their organizing efforts aimed at strengthening their community, locally and nationally. One of those initiatives was the 100 Black Men, bringing together community leaders in New York to explore ways of improving conditions in their community (although they chose their name and shaped their national mandate years later).
Statement by the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation on the One Year Anniversary of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Campaign
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation today extended its congratulations to First Lady Michelle Obama on the first anniversary of Let’s Move!, her ground-breaking program aimed at eliminating childhood obesity.
“Thanks to the First Lady’s initiative more Americans than ever are conscious of the problem of childhood obesity and committed to help solve it. Her leadership has resulted in a groundswell of support for this cause,” said Lisa Gable, executive director of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation triples membership in first year, launches program in all of its priority areas
By Lisa Gable
It started with 41 food companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations coming together to help reduce obesity, especially childhood obesity. The result was the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation. The goal of combating obesity is as challenging as it is important. That is why the Foundation has taken a look at what we have achieved and what we plan to achieve in the near future, in our annual report, available at http://www.healthyweightcommit.org/HWCF_AnnualReport/
Promoting Healthier Communities: United Way, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation to Work Together to Promote Healthy Lifestyles
WASHINGTON D.C. – United Way Worldwide (UWW) and the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) today announced a partnership aimed at promoting active, healthy lifestyles to combat growth in the obesity rate, especially among young people.
UWW and the HWCF signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a framework for cooperation to reverse increasing obesity levels in the United States.
ANNIKA Foundation Partners with Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation To Reduce Childhood Obesity
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, ‘nPLAY: New Partnership Launched to Promote Physical Activity Among Young Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) announced today that ‘nPLAY – a coalition of 23 elite athletes from 11 different sports – has joined the Foundation to advance their common goal of supporting physical education and physical activity programs among young people.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and Discovery Education Announce Energy Balance Curriculum to Combat Childhood Obesity
Program to reach over 21,000 elementary schools and over 1 million teachers
Combating Obesity: Army, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Work Together to Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices
WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC) and the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) today announced a partnership aimed at countering the trend toward obesity among young people that could – among other downsides – diminish the pool of qualified young Americans available for military duty.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Announces PGA As 100th Member
PGA of America extends impact of First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to reduce childhood obesity
WASHINGTON – The “Michelle Obama effect” continued to grow interest and support for efforts to curb obesity as the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) announced today that The PGA of America has become the Foundation’s 100th member.
The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Joins Morning Show ‘The Balancing Act’ Airing on Lifetime Television
Air Dates are August 23 and September 27, 2010
(Pompano Beach, FL) — The Balancing Act welcomes the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF), a CEO-led organization launched in October 2009. The HWCF is engaged in a national multi-year effort designed to help reduce obesity—especially childhood obesity – by 2015. Special guest Lisa Gable, the Foundation’s Executive Director, also joins the show to share with viewers the problems associated with obesity – and some solutions. Make sure you tune in to The Balancing Act on August 23 at 7:00am (ET/PT) and September 27 at 7:00am (ET/PT) as they air on Lifetime Television.
Food and Beverage Manufacturers Pledging to Reduce Annual Calories By 1.5 Trillion By 2015
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Signs Agreement with the Partnership for a Healthier America
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) today joined First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America in announcing its new pledge to reduce annual calories by 1.5 trillion by the end of 2015, and sustain that level.
Photo: Michelle Obama with James Gavin, center, chairman of the Partnership for a Healthier America and David MacKay, chief executive officer of Kellogg Co. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press)
First Lady Announces Food and Beverage Manufacturer Agreement with Partnership for a Healthier America to Fight Childhood Obesity
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Members Pledge Product Changes to Reduce 1.5 Trillion Calories by 2015
Washington, DC – First Lady Michelle Obama today announced that the Partnership for a Healthier America has signed an agreement with The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) whose members are pledging to take actions aimed at reducing 1.5 trillion product calories by the end of 2015. As an interim step to this goal, HWCF will seek to reduce calories by 1 trillion in 2012.
HWCF Partners With Media Companies in Website Launches
WASHINGTON – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation has partnered media companies Discovery Education and the Meredith Corp. for the launch of two websites that address healthy lifestyles in schools and home.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Forms Partnership with Discovery Education and Meredith Corporation to Fight Childhood Obesity
Rising Childhood Obesity Epidemic to Affect 20% of Children in the United States by Year’s End
Good Health is Good Business: New Website Promotes Healthy Workforce Culture
Good Health is Good Business: New Website Promotes Healthy Workforce Culture
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Small and medium-sized companies seeking to promote a healthy workplace culture and help employees to pursue a healthy lifestyle will get support from a new website brought to you by the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) with its partner the National Business Group on Health.
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Introduced
Coalition Aims to Reduce Obesity
Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation Introduced
Kellogg Co. Chief Executive Officer David Mackay announced a $20 million anti-obesity campaign to encourage some of the world’s largest food makers to reconsider the way they sell their products.