Help Grow Your Soup
We popped open a can of Campbell’s condensed tomato soup the other night and I remember why I so loved Campbell’s soup when I was growing up, especially when paired with grilled cheese sandwiches. Their tomato soup cannot be beat, although it’s really not that easy to find here in Germany. It used to be that you could get it at most Wal-Mart stores, but now that they’ve sold out to a local chain, the only source of American products nearby is Rewe. And so far, I have never seen Campbell’s soup on their shelves. It’s a pity. I used to love their New England clam chowder, hearty chicken noodle with veggies and other soups. Now I have to resort to making soup myself. The canned stuff they sell here is just not the same.
When I was contacted recently by a representative of Campbell Soup Company, I was surprised to find out that real American farmers actually grow a lot of the produce that goes into Campbell’s soups. It’s not just coming from a hothouse in Holland where the tomatoes have never seen real soil. And I think you can taste that difference. In addition, they make many of their soups condensed so packaging remains smaller, keeping transportation needs smaller and costs lower since it’s lighter and takes up less space. The company also has an ongoing initiative with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) “to help develop America’s future farmers and leaders through agricultural education.”
Their project for 2010 involves the renovation of 5 American barns, and you can watch videos of the nominated farms (all of which grow for Campbell Soup Company) and vote for your favorite until January 5th. The company is also donating $250,000 to the National FFA program aside from the barn preservation projects. Visit HelpGrowYourSoup.com for all the details and to vote. Or watch this video below to learn more about the efforts of the Help Grow Your Soup campaign.
In 2009, there were also projects to plant community gardens via a parternship with Urban Farming. Urban Farming is a nonprofit organization which seeks to create an abundance of food by planting gardens on vacant lots in urban settings. And while doing so, they are also improving the community and bringing neighbors together.
Not only do a think it’s fantastic that this huge company is doing something postive for the local communities, but I really love that they are supporting an organization like the FFA which can have such a positive influence on the lives of young adults. I wish there were more companies out there giving back locally and not just globally…or not at all. Next time I’m in the US, I’ll definitely be buying myself some Campbell’s soup to bring home. And if Campbell’s would like to work something out where they send me a case or two of soup here in Germany, I would be ecstatic for that! Or maybe they can just tell me where I can buy their products locally. That will be a good start!
Are their companies that you frequently buy from that support the community? Post a comment with a link to their website and we’ll all give them some renewed support!
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Tiffany is an American who has been living in Germany with her husband since 2001. The two are self-proclaimed "Self-Reliant Yuppies" who are in their early-30's and bought an 1830's farmhouse several years ago, which they have been turning into a more sustainable and green dream house. Two cats, a Newfie and their 2 year old daughter enjoy the adventure with them. Tiffany enjoys cooking, rock climbing, lux-camping trying to turn her black thumbs green and taking road trips. Visit the 
You have made my day, I love Campbell’s tomato soup, but in the interests of eating locally and preferably homemade, had stopped buying it. But knowing the good the company is doing I think it can go back on the list.
Nothing quite compares to Campbell’s tomato soup. I had forgotten how good it is since it’s been years since I had any. I was coveting that can for a very special, rainy day lol.
I actually heard in the video I posted above that they actually try to buy the produce for the soups within 100 miles of the production facility. I find it fantastic that such a huge company still seems to be so in touch with the people who grow what goes into the soups. It’s not just the cheapest, bulk produce they can get their hands on. This is definitely a company I’m willing to get behind!