Member News

With the cost of food continuing to rise, hunger is a real issue for many families in the United States. Last year, 49 million people turned to food banks and community programs to help feed their families, according to Feeding America. In its Philadelphia market, National Fitness Partners made a big impact by volunteering with Feast of Justice, a food bank the area. The food bank is set up like a grocery store, so families can come in and select the food they want. The organization helps feed over 500 families a week.

NFP volunteered with Feast of Justice food bank throughout 2023, including time in March, September and October. The franchise group plans to continue its volunteer efforts with Feast of Justice in 2024.

“Volunteering for Feast of Justice allowed me to see the important work this organization does. Feast of Justice has a huge impact on the people they serve simply through packing, moving and providing food for those in need. I find extreme gratification to be able to do this for others in the community that I live and work in. I encourage anyone that can volunteer to do so,” said Cris Crespo, general manager of Planet Fitness^® Cottman Avenue (Philadelphia).

Giving back to the community is a rewarding experience and is something Planet Fitness^® franchisees love to do. Over the summer, National Fitness Partners volunteered with Family Promise Montco PA (formerly Inter-Faith Housing Alliance), an organization that helps families who are experiencing homelessness and poverty in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

On June 8, NFP spent the day cleaning the Hope Gardens apartment building. Hope Gardens houses families who are a part of Family Promise’s transitional housing program. Families live in the apartment for up to two years and receive case management and other support to help them on their feet. NFP’s hard work with deep cleaning these apartments helped prepare the units for incoming residents. There were 11 volunteers, including assistant general managers, general managers, an area director and facilities equipment service technician (FEST). 

National Fitness Partners didn’t stop there! The group also volunteered with Family Promise on Sept. 29 to assist with different tasks throughout the facility. They helped prep and paint two laundry rooms, weeded the garden out front as well as two of the courtyards, and helped organize the storage closet that holds supplies families may need when arriving at Family Promise. There were 16 volunteers, including assistant general managers, general managers, area directors, FEST and a community relations manager.

“Our Family Promise Representative, Kyla, was super informative, hospitable and helpful in setting this day up for us. This initiative served as a wonderful team-building experience and made us really feel like we made a difference in our community,” said Area Director Jen Taylor.

By the end of 2023, National Fitness Partners will have 51 locations in the greater Philadelphia area, spreading its impact even further into the community.   

Ignite Fitness celebrated the opening of its Planet Fitness^® location in Greeneville, Tennessee, with a grand opening event in July. The grand opening event was a success with over 300 people in attendance and over 80 new joins during the celebration.

There were a number of special guests, including the mayor of Greeneville and President of Tusculum University Dr. Scott Hummel. Live band Triple C provided entertainment for the event. To top off the celebration, the franchise group donated $1,000 to the local Boys & Girls Club in Greeneville.

“We were proud to partner with local businesses to have a food truck, live band for entertainment, and to host several local shops to advertise their business. We are proud to serve the Greeneville community and hope it is used as an institution that promotes a healthier lifestyle for everyone, regardless of how far they are into their fitness journey,” said Chris Kudera, general manager.