Living Healthy Starts in the Kitchen

Bedminster, NJ (July 22, 2014) – The Provident Bank Foundation (http://providentnjfoundation.org), which supports organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of residents in the communities served by Provident Bank, has provided a $5,000 grant to the Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey (CSCCNJ) in support of C.H.E.F.S (Cooking, Healthy Eating and Food Strategies Program). The C.H.E.F.S. program helps individuals achieve sustained behavioral and lifestyle changes in the food they are eating and techniques in cooking cancer-fighting foods that promote cancer survival and prevention.

"We are proud to be able to support CSCCNJ in providing professionally-led programs in our communities," said Jane Kurek, executive director of The Provident Bank Foundation. "At times, caring for yourself or a loved one affected by cancer is a difficult task. It is encouraging to know that organizations such as CSCCNJ exist to offer professional and emotional support for such individuals."

Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey’s mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. At CSCCNJ, individuals affected by cancer are given an opportunity to enhance their health and well-being through participation in professionally led programs of support, education and hope. A cornerstone of the Cancer Support Community program model is education about nutrition and healthy cooking. C.H.E.F.S. cooking classes focus on the preparation of whole, plant-based foods while explaining the evidence that supports their cancer-fighting properties. The classes are facilitated by Nutrition Educator and Founder of Living Plate, Jeanne Petrucci. During the class, participants are provided a class menu, recipes and shopping list and are able to taste and try all the foods that are discussed. Participants feel very strongly that the hands-on experience is beneficial in learning about cancer-fighting foods.

Shaunna Rubin of The Provident Bank Foundation and Sandra Kennedy, Area Manager, Provident Bank attended the first C.H.E.F.S. class at the end of June and were joined by an additional 25 participants of all ages, from teenager to senior citizen. Both have been affected by cancer in different ways but were able to gain new insight and knowledge about cancer-fighting foods and how to cook, clean and be healthy in their own kitchens.

"Generous funding like this enables CSCCNJ to sustain its mission to empower all individuals affected by cancer and allow them the opportunity to enhance their health and well-being through programs like C.H.E.F.S.," said Amy Sutton, executive director of Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey. "We are proud to partner with The Provident Bank Foundation as part of our ongoing commitment to the community through support, education and hope, so that no one faces cancer alone."

More information about Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey is available at www.cancersupportcnj.org or by calling (908) 658-5400. For more information about The Provident Bank Foundation, visit http://www.ProvidentNJFoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.

About The Provident Bank Foundation

The Provident Bank Foundation was established by New Jersey’s oldest bank in 2003 to enhance the quality of life in communities served by the Provident Bank. The Foundation supports not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other organizations that provide services in these communities. Since its founding, the Foundation has provided more than $18 million in grants for programs focusing on education, health, wellness, recreation, the arts and social and civic services.