Recognizing that the need for donations is greater than ever at local food banks across the nation, Curves International is kicking off the 2012 Curves Food Drive on March 1 with a challenge to all Curves clubs to meet or exceed last year's donations. Each club is asking its members to donate bags of non-perishable food or cash throughout the month of March to support area community food banks. In addition, Curves clubs will waive the joining fee for new members who bring in a bag of non-perishable food or donate $30 to their local food bank from March 12 - 25.

"Curves is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our members, so the food drive is a natural extension of that commitment to the communities where our clubs are located," said Curves founder Diane Heavin. "Many families are struggling with basic expenses and need some help to make ends meet. Our food drive gives our members a way to reach out and support their neighbors."

With a theme of "Good for your body and your soul," this year's drive encourages Curves members to feel doubly good about themselves as they make time to exercise for good health and take time to help others in the community with a donation of nutritious food. Area Curves clubs may also qualify to win cash prizes for their local food banks. Curves International will award cash prizes to the clubs that collect the most food, the clubs that show the greatest increase in donations over the 2011 food drive, and to two additional clubs randomly selected from all the clubs who enter the contest.

"We would love to see all of our clubs top their donation levels from last year," said Heavin. "But the main goal of our annual drive is to enlist the help of our members in re-stocking the shelves of local food pantries across the country. We also hope that new members will take this opportunity to give back to their local communities as they join our Curves community."

For more information about the 2012 Curves Food Drive and Curves, please visit www.curves.com.

About Curves Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to millions of women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. With thousands of locations worldwide, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: www.curves.com.

SOURCE: Curves International, Inc.