November 19/Camden, N.J./Food & Beverage Close-Up -- Campbell Soup Company has announced the appointment of Kim Fremont Fortunato as director of its Childhood Obesity and Hunger program, a newly created position.

Fortunato will focus on reducing childhood obesity and hunger by 50% over the next 10 years in Camden and other locations where Campbell has operations in the U.S., the company said.

Campbell outlined its initial plans to lower childhood obesity and hunger in its 2010 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. Under Fortunato's leadership, the company reported that it plans to build this initiative into its signature community program. She will be based at Campbell's world headquarters in Camden and will report to Jerry Buckley, senior vice president of Public Affairs.

Fortunato, will be responsible for heading a multi-year plan, which will initially focus on reducing childhood obesity and hunger in Camden, the company's hometown since 1869. Campbell noted that Fortunato would work with government officials, non-profit partners and the medical community at local, regional and national levels in the U.S., to further build this program. Fortunato also will work closely with Campbell Soup Foundation Trustees and Campbell colleagues and align the initiative with Campbell's overall CSR, community affairs and employee volunteerism strategies.

"We are thrilled to have Kim join Campbell and build upon our efforts to reduce childhood obesity and hunger," said Buckley. "While hunger and obesity are a national crisis, it is even more acute here in Camden. Kim's experience and relationships will be invaluable as we build our signature community program and make meaningful strides to nourish the lives of thousands of children."

Obesity rates for Camden children ages three to 19 are nearly 40% -- significantly above the national average of 32%, according to the 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys and Body Mass Index (BMI) data collected by the Rutgers State Center for Health Policy.

From the November 22, 2010, Prepared Foods' Daily News
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