For Immediate Release

Lifestyle, Fitness, Community Editors                 AFAC – 703.845.8486

Arlington, Va. – February 17, 2005 – In a joint effort to promote health and well-being in Arlington, Curves of Arlington and the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) are launching the 2 nd Annual Curves of Arlington/AFAC Food Drive to benefit the area's needy.

During the week of March 7, Curves of Arlington fitness centers will waive the $149 initiation fee for any woman who brings in a bag of non-perishable food to one of its four Arlington locations.

"Curves has always been a staunch advocate of increasing women's well-being through exercise and proper nutrition," said Christine Lucas, Executive Director of AFAC. "This food drive gives Arlington women the opportunity to live a healthier lifestyle while providing the less fortunate in their community with supplemental food for their families."

Last year, Curves of Arlington collected 3,400 pounds of food – enough to support 100 families for a week.   The collection was one of the largest sponsored by an Arlington business.   AFAC provides groceries to nearly 600 families each week.

AFAC distributed one million pounds of food to needy families in Arlington last year. It is through the generosity of both private and business volunteers and donors that AFAC is able to continue with its mission of supporting those who cannot afford their basic food needs.   AFAC's clients are the working poor, the temporarily unemployed, the elderly living on a fixed income and the disabled.

"We would like to thank Curves of Arlington for showing their commitment to the community," said Lucas. "Because of that commitment, X families won't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from this year."

Curves of Arlington is the first fitness and weight loss facility designed to provide affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information for women. It is also the largest fitness franchise in the world with over 8,000 locations worldwide.   The Curves of Arlington locations are Cherrydale, Clarendon, Crystal City and Shirlington.

The Arlington Food Assistance Center is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing supplemental food groceries to needy Arlington families.