The Campbell’s Company and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation have been honored with the 2026 Gold Halo Award for Best Local-Impact Initiative.
The award, presented by Engage for Good, recognizes their collaborative program, Full Futures, for its measurable success in transforming school nutrition and student health in Camden, N.J.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Hanover, Pa.
Launched in 2021 by Campbell’s, the Full Futures partnership acts as a holistic support system for school districts. By bringing together local nonprofits and community partners, the program focuses on four strategic pillars:
- Infrastructure: Upgrading school kitchens and dining spaces.
- Nutrition Education: Hands-on culinary and classroom learning for students and families.
- Food Access: Launching mobile markets, school pantries, and online ordering models.
- Culture: Empowering student leaders to influence school food choices and environments.
“This award recognizes the power of partnership and the belief that every young person deserves access to nourishing food,” Kathy Higgins, CEO of Alliance for a Healthier Generation said. “Full Futures shows what’s possible when schools, families, and community partners work together.”
In the most recent program year, Full Futures engaged more than 11,000 students, caregivers, and staff. The initiative has successfully integrated modern food production into schools through aquaponics labs and gardens, while bridging the gap between classrooms and community kitchens.
Key Program Highlights:
- Community Farmers Markets: Providing monthly access to fresh, local produce.
- Expanded Access: Implementation of school-based food pantries to combat food insecurity.
- Teacher & Staff Support: Training for educators to integrate nutrition into the daily curriculum.
While currently focused on three core regions, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation serves as the program’s “backbone,” ensuring the model is documented and refined for potential nationwide replication.
Kate Barrett, president of The Campbell’s Foundation, emphasized that the award validates their commitment to community-driven solutions: “Real change requires more than funding—it takes the right partners and sustained commitment.”
The Halo Awards are the highest honors for corporate-nonprofit social impact collaborations. This Gold award underscores Campbell’s 155-year legacy of community involvement in its home city of Camden and beyond.
