CAMDEN, N.J., Mar 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) today announced three winners of the company’s “Lifestyle Change Award,” a program designed to recognize employees who have made healthy lifestyle changes, positively influenced others to improve their health or achieved a health-related goal.
The Lifestyle Change Award is given to employees who have committed to making and sustaining one or more healthy lifestyle changes, such as tobacco cessation, physical activity, weight management, healthy eating habits and stress management.
Selected from 68 entries from 19 different Campbell sites in North America, the 2009 Lifestyle Change Awards went to Amanda Hershon from Campbell’s world headquarters in Camden, N.J.; Kenneth Faulkner, from Campbell’s Paris, Texas plant; and Sarah Knight, from Campbell’s Pepperidge Farm Denver, Pa. facility. Winners received a $500 cash award, company-wide recognition and a basket of “Campbell’s Healthy Request” products.
“Campbell values our people, and we actively encourage employees to take charge of their health,” said Nancy Reardon, Chief Human Resources and Communications Officer, Campbell Soup Company. “These three employees, along with all the Lifestyle Change Award nominees, have made extraordinary changes to their lives and have inspired friends, families and co-workers. We strive to offer programs and tools that can help employees better understand and manage their health. This ultimately leads to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for employees and for Campbell.”
Details on Winners
When Amanda Hershon received the results of Cambpell’s Health Station Tour last year, she knew it was finally time to make a change. “For the majority of my life, I have been what would be considered thin and healthy, so admitting that I no longer fit in that category a couple of years ago was something I avoided,” said Hershon.
Hershon became a member of Campbell’s Health and Fitness Center and participated in Campbell’s Navy Seals program, which helped her establish a regular exercise regiment. She credits her 30-pound weight loss to the support of friends, family and colleagues.
Kenneth Faulkner, Campbell’s Paris, Texas plant, suffered a heart attack while repairing air conditioners in June of 2009. He barely made it out of the Paris city limits, before he stopped at a local pizza parlor and asked for water. After trying to cool down, an ambulance was called. “They put a monitor on me and one of the guys in the ambulance said you’re having a heart attack. I was 46 years old,” Faulkner said.
Faulkner received stents to correct the blockages in his arteries. Since his heart attack, Faulkner has quit smoking, walks two miles a day, lost 40 pounds and checks his blood pressure regularly, which is now at a normal level. He also has added more fruits and vegetables to his diet. Faulkner has influenced his wife Judy, also a Campbell employee, to quit smoking.
Sarah Knight, Pepperidge Farm’s Denver, Pa. plant, got a wake up call at her doctor’s office in 2008 when she stepped on a scale and was told she was considered morbidly obese. Knight started her weight loss journey by entering a Biggest Loser competition at her local recreation center. “I wasn’t ready for someone to write that down,” said Knight. “I decided I was going to change my life. I was 38 years old and couldn’t even run a mile.”
By working out with a trainer twice a week, Knight now runs five to seven miles per work out and can complete a mile in nine minutes. Along with diet and exercise, Knight credits her family, her exercise group and her colleagues at work as the keys to her success. Her lifestyle change helped her lose 109 pounds. But she says her journey isn’t over. She is training for a half marathon. “I’m excited about this award, but I’m still pushing myself.”
Campbell’s Innovative Health & Wellness Programs
Campbell is committed to cultivating a healthy workplace and to supporting employees’ health and well-being. The company has steadily increased its focus on health and wellness both in the marketplace with its leading portfolio of healthy products, such as lower sodium soups and breads, and in the workplace with innovative programs and benefits designed to improve the well being of employees and their families.
Campbell offers a comprehensive, integrated approach to promoting healthy lifestyles and fosters a culture of wellness through benefit design and worksite wellness programs. The company provides a broad range of innovative services, including:
Other programs include lifestyle management coaching, worksite wellness, smoking cessation, preventive care coverage, value-based prescription drug initiatives and disease management.
Campbell’s health programs have been nationally recognized. For three consecutive years, Campbell has been honored by the National Business Group on Health as one of the nation’s leading corporations for innovative programs promoting a healthy workplace and for helping employees and their families to make better choices about their health and well-being, and recognized by the American Heart Association as a “Fit Friendly Company.”
About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality foods and simple meals, including soup, baked snacks, and healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of market-leading brands, including “Campbell’s,” “Pepperidge Farm,” “Arnott’s,” and “V8.” For more information on the company, visit Campbell’s website at www.campbellsoup.com.
SOURCE: Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup CompanyAnthony Sanzio (Media)(856) 968-4390orJennifer Driscoll (Analysts)(856) 342-6081
