Campbell Soup Awards $1.5 Million In Grants For Healthier Communities

By: SNJToday Staff

CAMDEN, N.J. — The Campbell Soup Company recently announced more than $1.5 million in grants to 11 organizations with operations in Camden along with 11 others as part of the Campbell Soup Foundation’s annual grant-making cycle and Campbell’s Healthy Communities, the company’s signature philanthropic program. 

The Campbell Soup Foundation’s grant-making focuses on  increasing healthy food access, encouraging healthy living, and nurturing Campbell neighborhoods. The Campbell’s Healthy Communities program is focused on improving the health of young people in communities where Campbell has operations.

“We are proud of our 150-year history of giving back to the communities in which we operate,” Kim Fortunato, President, Campbell Soup Foundation and Director, Community Affairs, said in a press release. “Campbell and our Foundation are a powerful community partner not only in Camden but in many Campbell communities. In addition to financial support, we are proud of our strong volunteer engagement program that supports our community partners in a variety of ways. Congratulations to this year’s outstanding recipients who are making a significant impact in their local communities.”

New Jersey grantees include the Center for Environmental Transformation, which educates community members in Camden about urban agriculture, with a specific project focused on building, maintaining and teaching in school gardens; The Greater Philadelphia YMCA, a longtime partner in Camden, which implements Soccer For Success, a city-wide after-school soccer program that incorporates physical activity, education about healthy living and family engagement; and Wellness in the Schools, which works in Camden schools to bring healthier food to kids, with a focus on nutrition education and menu change in the cafeteria.

Other New Jersey grantees include Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, Center for Environmental Transformation, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Food Bank of South Jersey, The Food Trust, FoodCorps, The Greater Philadelphia YMCA, Scattergood Foundation, Share Our Strength, The Tides Foundation, and Wellness in the Schools.

Founded in 1953, the Campbell Soup Foundation provides financial support to local organizations that inspire positive change in communities throughout the U.S. While the Foundation places an emphasis on Camden, its funding also supports other Campbell communities nationally. The Foundation is employee-run, governed by a Board of Trustees and advised by an Executive Committee.