Progresso’s demise slows Jersey progress

One of my all time favorite soups is leaving New Jersey. Progresso is closing its Vineland plant. You know, the city they immortalized in commercial.

As a little boy in Union City, I grew up on Progresso soup: the Minestrone, Chickarina and Lentil and tomato with shells as well. It may have come from a can but growing up in an Italian family in Union City, it was the Progresso soup that just fit the neighborhood. When I eat it now, no matter where I'm living, it always takes me back home.

I hate seeing more high paying jobs leaving New Jersey, especially Progresso. If this keeps up, we're all going to be in the soup. Maybe that proposed $15 an hour minimum wage hike might not be the best idea right now?