York unveils subsidized WeightWatchers program for residents
York health officials unveiled on Sept. 24 details of a new program to battle community obesity and expand the Let’s Move York City initiative.
Photo by Evening Sun — Tyler Sizemore
People attend a WeightWatchers meeting in Hanover.
The funds, provided by Weight Watchers and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, will allow the city to offer subsidized Weight Watchers memberships at a cost of $3 per week to parents or custodial grandparents who meet certain weight and income requirements.
Residents with a body mass index of 27 or higher who live below the poverty level will be eligible to enroll in the program, Barbara Kovacs, director of the York City Bureau of Health, said.
York was one of three cities nationwide to be awarded the grant, along with $25,000 to administer the program. Baltimore and Racine, Wis., also were chosen.
The city will hold sign-ups at four locations: Alexander D. Goode Elementary, City Hall, Devers Elementary School and Lincoln Charter school.
Sarah Glazier, Weight Watchers district manager for the Great Lakes region, said she anticipates the city will be able to offer about 150 memberships.
