For over 155 years, we’ve called Camden home, and our commitment to our neighbors runs deep. Through The Campbell’s Foundation, we’re investing $1.5 million to support the Food Bank of South Jersey’s new Center for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition and related programming across the region.
This new center will expand access to nutritious food, advance community health, and provide practical education and wellness programs throughout South Jersey. In 2024, the Food Bank of South Jersey distributed more than 19.5 million meals to people.
“The new center will provide critical resources to empower families and individuals with the tools they need to improve their overall wellbeing.” Fred Wasiak, President and CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey
“The new center will provide critical resources to empower families and individuals with the tools they need to improve their overall wellbeing.”
The unveiling of the new Center for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition.
Ellen Ward, founder and CEO of the Food Bank, speaks to event attendees.
Fred Wasiak, President and CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey
Trying food samples in the new teaching kitchen.
Employees with the Food Bank share more information on children’s programming.
Learning about nutrition and recipes with members of the Food Bank.
“We believe in the power of food to connect people and build stronger communities. We’re proud to support the Food Bank’s efforts to make a lasting impact in South Jersey.” Kate Barrett, President of The Campbell’s Foundation
“We believe in the power of food to connect people and build stronger communities. We’re proud to support the Food Bank’s efforts to make a lasting impact in South Jersey.”
The Center will house a nutrition education teaching kitchen and community learning spaces. The Center’s new teaching kitchen has been named in honor of Ellen Ward, the Food Bank’s founder and first CEO, who helped to launch the organization in 1985 to nourish South Jersey communities. The Ellen Ward Teaching Kitchen will serve as a hands-on space for cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes, and workforce development.
Renderings of the new Food Bank of South Jersey Center for Health, Wellness and Nutrition.
The community room and education space at the Center for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition.
The Center’s new teaching kitchen, named in honor of Ellen Ward, the Food Bank’s founder and first CEO.
The Food Bank of South Jersey has been a long-term partner in our work to increase food and nutrition access. In fact, we were one of the Food Bank’s original funders when it opened in 1985.
Today we work together in many ways, including joint initiatives such as the Camden Food Security Collective and Full Futures, our multi-year program focused on advancing school nutrition in partnership with the Camden City School District. The Food Bank’s Health & Wellness team plays a critical role in Full Futures, leading nutrition education and youth engagement programs. Key initiatives include:
Chef Gerald teaching cooking skills to local students as part of Cooking Matters.
Packing food at the Food Bank of South Jersey during Days of Service.
Making pizzas during our weekly Cooking Matters program.
Preparing boxes for food packing at the Food Bank.
Employees during Days of Service.
Since 1953, The Campbell’s Foundation has supported local communities through direct grants, employee matching gifts, and partnerships with local, regional, and national nonprofits to foster healthy communities in our hometowns.
We have three main focus areas: increasing food access, encouraging healthy living, and nurturing neighborhoods in communities where our employees live and work.
