Campbell Soup Pledges to Curb Childhood Obesity, Hunger

CAMDEN, N.J.Campbell Soup Co. will invest $10 million toward a 10-year plan to reduce childhood obesity and hunger by 50 percent in the companys hometown of Camden.

The initiative will focus on three areasproviding increased access to affordable, healthy food; expanding availability of and participation in physical activity and physical education; and increasing nutrition and health education. Obesity rates for children ages 3 to 19 in Camden are nearly 40 percent, significantly above the national average of 32 percent.

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," Campbell's President and CEO Douglas R. Conant said.

Campbell will collaborate 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.