Download FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Jennifer Byrd National

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Byrd
National Headquarters Director of Communications
703-519-5890
[email protected]
Parker Vandergriff
Richards Partners
214-891-7709
[email protected]
Salvation Army Expands Wellness Initiatives by 65 Percent to Fight Obesity
Health Programs Offer Benefits Beyond a Healthy Lifestyle
Alexandria, VA (August 15, 2013) – The Salvation Army has expanded its health and fitness
programs by 65 percent in the past five years, according to a recently released report, “Wellness for
All.” The report explores The Salvation Army’s efforts to provide individuals and families with
programs that will encourage them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Salvation Army wellness
opportunities range from fitness and athletics to community gardens and cooking programs for
people who previously did not have the access or financial ability to attend such programs.
“People in poverty deserve access to health resources to combat obesity and live long lives,”
said Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander for The Salvation Army. “The Salvation
Army has grown its mission to encourage wellness for all – for the mind, body, and soul.”
These results come just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a new
study that shows the recent decline in childhood obesity rates in 19 states from 2008 to 2011.
Currently, 87 percent of Salvation Army facilities offer programs like Kroc Fit Kids, an obesity
prevention program. The Salvation Army hopes to continue to expand programs like this to
continue the fight against childhood obesity, especially within low-income communities.
The findings show that fitness and athletic classes are most in demand. Among the
surveyed Salvation Army facilities, 73 percent offer at least one type of cardio or strength class.
Examples of popular classes and programs include Zumba®, basketball, swimming, dance and
more. Additional services include mental health programs, summer lunch, health fairs, aquatics and
even services that many people take for granted, such as dental and hygiene clinics.
“There’s truth in the proverb, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to
fish and you feed him for a lifetime,’” said Commissioner Roberts. “We have seen remarkable lifechanging benefits in people – weight loss, reduction in need for medication, new self-confidence
and, of course, adding years to their lives in which they can spend time with loved ones.”
To learn more about The Salvation Army’s wellness programs in your local community, or
to find out how to help implement more healthy lifestyle programs, visit
www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church established in 1865, has
been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the
United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year
through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief
for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter
to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is
used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to
www.salvationarmyusa.org