Campbell Soup Plans to Reduce Childhood Obesity

Campbell Soup Company unveils a plan to reduce childhood obesity and hunger in Camden, N.J., Campbell’s home 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 percent.

 

Campbell’s President and CEO Douglas R. Conant, says, “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 plans focus on three areas:

 

1. Providing increased access to affordable, healthy food

2. Expanding availability of and participation in physical activity and physical education

3. Increasing nutrition and health education

 

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 percent, significantly above the national average of 32 percent.