The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reported that 14.6 percent of households were "food insecure" at least some time during 2008, up from 11.1 percent in 2007. This means millions of Americans lack consistent access to nutritious food. It is the highest recorded prevalence rate of food insecurity since 1995 when the first national food security survey was conducted.
Simultaneously, the obesity rate continues to grow, with the American Obesity Association reporting that 34 percent of women and 27.7 percent of men in America are severely obese. It seems many Americans are living at unhealthy diet extremes.
Now, NBC is teaming up with Feeding America on the Pound for Pound Challenge to try to fight both American hunger and obesity epidemics. For every pound that participants pledge to lose, a pound of groceries will be delivered to a local food bank. NBC will provide updates on Americans’ participation in the Challenge and how their efforts are helping community food banks during their hit show, The Biggest Loser.
Feeding America is excited and hopeful about the partnership with NBC. "Our network of more than 200 food banks across the nation have shown an average 30 percent increase in demand over last year," said Vicki B. Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "At these rates, we all likely know someone affected by hunger and can help them in a big way by simply participating in the Pound For Pound Challenge."
Officials at NBC also have high hopes for the challenge. According to Bob Harper, a trainer on NBC’s The Biggest Loser, "More than 1 million pounds have already been pledged to the Pound For Pound Challenge, and that momentum will only continue as we highlight the program on our show."
Pledges for the challenge will be accepted through June 30. Additionally, people interested in joining the cause without losing weight can create a PFP Challenge team on Facebook and learn about volunteer opportunities with Feeding America. 
