Employee at The Fresh Grocer Loses 41 Pounds in Fitness Challenge
The Fresh Grocer employee Rachael Myrick was the grand prize winner of the company’s six month long Fresh n Fit Challenge, losing a total of 41 pounds. She was presented with a commemorative plaque and a check for $500 during final weigh-ins held on the rooftop of the grocer’s Progress Plaza store in North Philadelphia.
The Fresh n Fit challenge was a program designed in-house to help improve personal health and wellness throughout the company. When piloted to a small group of corporate-level associates, the program proved to be highly successful and led to The Fresh Grocer bringing the opportunity to compete in the challenge to all employees.
Myrick began the Fresh n’ Fit Challenge at a CDC weight status of ‘overweight’ and at high risk for stroke. Now, with her body mass index reduced by 20 percent, she is headed down the path to a healthier life. “I feel so much better about myself and my body,” said Myrick, “My motivation was my daughter. When things got hard, I thought of her. I want to be able to run around with her and live a healthy lifestyle so I can live longer.”
The company-wide Fresh n Fit Challenge kicked off this January with over 100 associates weighing in. Competitors were given a start-up kit including a pedometer, water bottle, guide booklet and other supportive tools to jump start the program geared to improve personal health and wellness.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than one-third of American adults are overweight or obese increasing risk for serious health issues. As an organization committed to promoting the health and wellnessof its customers, associates, and communities, The Fresh Grocer took the initiative to motivate and reward its employees to make healthy lifestyle improvements and lower the threat of health risks.
In second place, losing 17 percent of her BMI, and presented with a $250 check, was Charlotte McDonalds. In third place, losing 15 percent of her BMI and awarded $100 was Keewonas McDonald. All participating contestants are eager to maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue on their weight loss journey.
With over 500 pounds lost in total by all contestants, The Fresh Grocer plans to sustain the Fresh n Fit Challenge as an annual contest with hopes to increase the amount of participants and motivate more people to initiate their journey to a happy and healthy lifestyle.
The Fresh Grocer is an accomplished independent supermarket chain specializing in providing high quality perishables in urban and suburban environments with seven stores operating in the Greater Philadelphia area.