For a group of Westonka teachers, being named "The Biggest Loser" will come with a lot of work, a sense of accomplishment -- and 60 seconds of fame.

The 63 staff members who pledged to lose weight through NBC's "Pound for Pound Challenge" will be shown shedding those pounds on the next episode of "The Biggest Loser" at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

For every pound they lose, General Mills will donate 10 cents, equivalent to a pound of food, to a local food bank via Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest).

"It's a rewarding concept, because you're working on a goal for yourself, but at the same time, you're rewarding people in your community who need assistance with food," said Jill Borg, a Hilltop Primary School kindergarten teacher who did a one-on-one interview for the segment.

To join the challenge, launched by "The Biggest Loser," General Mills and Feeding America, dieters enter their weight-loss goals at www.pfpchallenge.com or www.biggestloser.com.

NBC cameras were in town for the group's kick-off day on Jan. 7, beginning with a smoothie fest at the Hilltop Primary School cafeteria. Staff members were captured putting their New Year's resolutions -- and pledges -- into action, including taking students cross-country skiing, working out with fitness balls and teaching yoga to kindergartners.

Crews also spent time filming at Mound Westonka High School. The captured footage will make up less than a minute of the show next week.

The challenge has built camaraderie among teachers and is helping staff members make healthier decisions at home and at school, they said last week.

"Schools are notorious for yummy treats, but lately in the lounge you'll find clementines, rice cakes and veggie trays," Borg said.

At a weekly community yoga class, staff members were surprised by a visit from "Biggest Loser" trainer Bob Harper. He was a nice guy, teachers said, and he encouraged everyone to practice yoga more than once a week.

"It's good motivation to stay healthy for ourselves, but we're also role models for our kids," second-grade teacher Mara Drill said.

"That's important."

Aimée Blanchette • 612-673-1715