Joyce E. Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), has announced her intention to retire from the organization at the end of 2024. She has led the organization for the past eight years, a period marked by unprecedented growth in the need for TASK’s services.
“I cannot imagine a more fulfilling role than working with such a great team towards the goal of ending hunger in Trenton and our region,” said Campbell. “I’m extremely grateful to the Board, staff, patrons, volunteers and supporters of TASK for this opportunity. The decision to retire was not easy, but the time was right for this transition.”
Campbell added, “I am more confident than ever that TASK is prepared to meet the growing, ever-evolving needs of our community.”
Prior to Campbell’s tenure at TASK, she had extensive experience as a social worker, advocate and leader at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, moving from frontline provider to overseeing the agency’s government relations and external affairs. She was already deeply invested in the people of Trenton and the challenges they face. Having served on the boards of agencies like the Anti-Poverty Network of NJ, the NJ Coalition to End Homelessness, NJ SHARES and NAMI Mercer, she was also keenly aware of the many obstacles people living in poverty can encounter on the path to greater self-sufficiency.
“Throughout my career, it has always been my goal to provide the most caring, comprehensive services to the people in our community who needed our help,” says Campbell.
For the past eight years, Campbell’s leadership at TASK has been punctuated with no shortage of extraordinary events, including a global pandemic that led to rapid, significant growth at the soup kitchen. Today, TASK is preparing and serving nearly 11,000 meals per week, more than double the pre-pandemic amount.
“Back in 2016, no one could have imagined COVID-19, let alone how the pandemic would accelerate the unprecedented rise in demand for the programs and services we offer,” remarks Campbell. “Despite it all, TASK has navigated this challenge head-on with creativity, commitment and a can-do spirit that has never waned.”
Under her leadership, TASK has also launched a variety of bold new initiatives that have made a significant impact on the people of the Trenton area. This year, TASK launched its first food truck, which is already serving more than 800 meals per week to seniors, families with children and some of the most vulnerable across the Capital City. Campbell also oversaw the expansion of TASK’s community meal site program, through which meals are delivered and served at 40 sites across Trenton, Greater Mercer County and even neighboring lower Bucks County. This growing demand has resulted in plans to increase meal production by 30% over the next year.
Campbell’s impact on TASK goes far beyond the rising meal counts. In 2021, Campbell helped TASK to obtain funding to serve as the lead agency in Mercer County providing identification services. TASK has helped thousands of people get the documentation they need to get identification, which in turn provides the credentials needed for people to obtain housing and jobs. Campbell has also championed TASK’s culinary training program and workforce development services, resulting in hundreds of people obtaining the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.
TASK Board Chair Pam Kelly notes, “Joyce has worked incredibly hard to strengthen TASK’s leadership team. “What really jumps out to me are the partnerships that Joyce has forged during her time at TASK. Across so many different groups – like the Mercer County Food Security Leaders, the NJ Community Kitchen Coalition, and the Trenton Social Impact Group (while it was active) – Joyce is the constant. She knows that everybody does better when we work together. Her leadership has truly strengthened TASK’s programs and created better outcomes for the people we serve.”
County Executive Dan Benson added his praise for Campbell, stating that her leadership at TASK “has been invaluable to the residents of Trenton and across Mercer County. TASK has been on the front lines doing the important work for many years, providing food, job training, adult education, arts programs and many other vital services to residents in need. Joyce’s legacy of service will last for many years to come.”
Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli noted that “Joyce Campbell has been a true pillar of our community and an inspiring leader whose dedication and compassion have profoundly impacted countless lives. As the CEO of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Joyce has tirelessly championed the cause of food security, providing hope, sustenance and opportunity for our neighbors in need. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to service have set a gold standard for nonprofit excellence. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her remarkable accomplishments and wish her a fulfilling and joyous retirement, knowing her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift our community for generations to come.”
Sarah Steward, the CEO of HomeFront, added, “I have had the joy of collaborating with Joyce for over 15 years and I have seen first-hand her dedication and passion for supporting our community. What impresses me the most is that Joyce’s caring is not theoretical or idle; she jumps in with her whole heart to do the hard work to bring about real change and improve the lives of our neighbors. Joyce has been a steadfast advocate and foot soldier in the fight for justice and opportunity for all people. Joyce has never sought accolades or recognition, though they are much deserved. I have learned so much from Joyce and her leadership, and I know that even in her retirement, she will continue to make a substantive difference: it’s just who she is!”
A search committee, led by TASK Board member Eleanor Horne, is working with consultant Michelle Hall of BoardWalk Consulting to launch a thorough and thoughtful search for TASK’s next CEO.
##
TASK, which has been serving the Mercer County region since 1982, serves more than 10,000 meals, six days per week, at its Escher Street dining room and community meal sites throughout Greater Mercer County and lower Bucks County. In addition, TASK offers a multitude of resources to encourage self-sufficiency and improve quality of life including case management, education, workforce development, creative arts and the provision of basic necessities. More information can be found on its website at www.trentonsoupkitchen.org.
