Imagine having the ability to donate one pound of food for every pound of weight lost.

The Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota is making that thought a reality through their Biggest Loser Minnesota Challenge. Austin residents can transform their lost pounds into food bank donations by participating in the competition.

The challenge is taking place statewide to encourage Minnesotans to live a healthier lifestyle. For every pound of weight a person pledges to lose, a pound of groceries will be delivered to a local Feeding America food bank. A pledge to maintain a healthy weight will result in a five-pound grocery donation.

“The Biggest Loser Minnesota Challenge is one of the exciting opportunities for teams of Mower County families and friends to compete with others throughout the state as they set in motion a healthier lifestyle for 2011,” said Mower County Statewide Health Improvement Program Coordinator Debra McCullough.

Participants who consistently track their healthy behaviors throughout the competition may be eligible for prizes, as well, including a trip to the Biggest Loser television finale in Los Angeles, Calif., according to Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota Marketing Director Brianna Chambers.

During the summer of 2010, a pilot wellness competition called the Biggest Loser Summer Challenge brought 10,000 employees of the Alliance member companies together to shed more than 35,000 pounds, exercise 16 million minutes and earn millions of nutrition points by making healthy food choices.

“We hope all members of the Austin community will join the Biggest Loser Minnesota Challenge for some healthy competition,” said Alliance partner Rick Kupchella.

Registration for the competition begins Jan. 12, and the Minnesota Challenge runs Jan. 24 through April 15. During the Minnesota Challenge, teams can log in to CompeteforHealth.org to track their behaviors and compete for real-time online rankings against other teams throughout Minnesota. Participants must be 18 years or older and the challenge is free.