Andronico’s, UC Berkeley Partner for Latest FitBank Challenge

Andronico’s Community Markets has joined forces  with the University of California, Berkeley, for the next round of the grocer's FitBank program, which awards cash and healthful foods to participants for staying in shape. The new challenge, which runs Sept. 4- Oct. 1., allows participants to donate their earned rewards to the university’s student pantry.

During the challenge, which is part of Andronico’s mission to “bring healthy back” into local communities, FitBankers log daily workouts at their gym of choice into their account on the Sweat.Works Global Gym mobile app, available at the iTunes Store. By working out once a week, participants receive free food rewards sponsored by healthful food brands. Participants who work out more times per week are eligible for cash rewards, which – along with food rewards – can be donated directly to the pantry, which helps feed students who have to skip meals to save money.

Introduced in August 2015, FitBank is an expansion of Andronico’s FitMarket program, which provides in-store and online tips, tools, and programs that teach people how to shop, cook, eat, exercise and live healthfully. The first FitBank challenge took place in early 2016, drawing hundreds of participants. The program has been steadily growing each month as new sponsors and users sign on. Sponsors for the September challenge include Red Duck Condiments, Kind Bars, Triple Leaf Tea, Marlo’s Bakery and Simply Essential NY Strip Steaks.

Emeryville, Calif.-based Andronico’s Community Markets operates five stores in the San Francisco Bay Area.