Campbell Soup to Reduce Childhood Obesity and Hunger by 50% in the City of Camden, the Company’s Home

Campbell Soup Company unveiled a plan to reduce childhood obesity and hunger in Camden, NJ, where Campbell has been headquartered since 1869. The company will invest $10 million over ten years with the goal of reducing childhood obesity and hunger in Camden’s 23,000 children by 50%.

Campbell’s President and CEO Douglas R. Conant said, “Obesity is a national crisis, but it is even more acute in Camden. We absolutely believe this important effort can nourish the lives of thousands of Camden children, both physically and emotionally, and help prepare them for a productive future.”

Nearly all Camden’s school-age children are enrolled in free school breakfast and lunch programs. Obesity rates for children ages 3 to 19 in Camden are nearly 40%, significantly above the national average of 32%. 35% of Camden children, ages 3 to 5, are overweight or obese, compared with the national average of 21%. 44% of Hispanic children in Camden are overweight or obese, compared with the national average of 38%.

Campbell’s plans focus on three areas:

—Providing increased access to affordable, healthy food

—Expanding availability of and participation in physical activity and physical education

—Increasing nutrition and health education

Campbell will collaborate with leading organizations, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Food Trust, New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Camden, the Camden Children’s Garden and the Y, along with the United Way, Cooper University Hospital, Rutgers University, the Food Bank of South Jersey and others.

Initially, Campbell plans to focus on the neighborhoods of Parkside, adjacent to its headquarters, and North Camden, launching the program in three elementary schools. A church and two daycare facilities will also participate.