PROVIDENCE - Shape Up RI, a statewide, nonprofit wellness organization, will hold informational meetings about the 2009 program in the Rhode Island Room at the Rhode Island Foundation, 150 Chestnut St., on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 3:30 p.m., and Thursday, Aug. 28, at 9 a.m.

Rajiv Kumar, chairman of Shape Up RI, encourages Rhode Islanders to improve their health and lifestyle by increasing their physical activity and developing healthy eating practices. Participants compete on teams to see who can lose the greatest percentage of collective team weight, log the most hours of physical activity, and walk the highest number of pedometer steps over a 12-week period.

The cost to participate in Shape Up RI is $20 per person. The program is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, along with Lifespan and Amica Insurance.

For more information, visit shapeupri.org, or call 421-0608.