By Michele Taranto

Forty years. Anyone would likely agree that is a long time to commit to any action, habit, or cause. Norwood resident Nicholas Campagna, however, hasn’t missed a beat or a step the last four decades helping feed the hungry. Don’t bother asking him to attend an event, the first Sunday in May he is always booked!

The 82-year-old retired geotechnical engineer first joined Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger in 1985, and has continued that streak every year without fail. Since he began lacing up his sneakers for the challenge, Campagna has raised more than $100,000 through his tireless efforts to help place food on families’ tables who needed assistance.

“Growing up we never had a lot of money, but we always had food on the table,” Campagna said. “My uncle wasn’t so fortunate. He was homeless and spent time at Pine Street Inn and the shelter for Veterans on Long Island. These examples remind me how fortunate I am. I look forward to supporting this year’s Walk for Hunger as I am always inspired by the crowds of people united in their commitment to help those in need.”

Campagna has lived in Norwood for over 50 years and first learned about Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger from members of his church who had participated in the event and found it to be a rewarding experience. About 15 years ago, Campagna formed a Norwood Food Pantry team to give back to Project Bread for the support they provided to the pantry in its early years. Even during the pandemic, he and his team remained vigilant to the cause and walked virtually around Norwood. This year also, he won’t be able to walk with his team due to travel plans, but again, he will perform a simulated walk on his own. The best part is, this is not a race; and the finish line? A personal goal!

On May 4, over 3,500 individuals will step up for Project Bread’s 57th Walk for Hunger, both in-person and virtually, to walk the three-mile loop around the Boston Common, in their own neighborhoods, or in Campagna’s case, in a more leisurely setting. The one-day community event will raise more than $1 million to support and ensure food access for all children and families in Massachusetts. The event will also feature family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment on Massachusetts’ famous Boston Common!

“It is becoming more and more difficult for people to afford enough to eat,” Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread said. “One in 5 families with kids are worried about where their next meal will come from. The Walk for Hunger is our opportunity to make an immediate difference in the lives of thousands of our neighbors. The people – our walkers, volunteers, and donors – are what make The Walk for Hunger such a powerful event. Together, as a community, we’re making sure people can access food with dignity and choice each day.” 
To donate to Campagna’s fundraiser, visit  https://give.projectbread.org/fundraiser/6110075. To register as a participant for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, or to support a walker or team with a donation, visit give.projectbread.org/walk. All individual walkers are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $25 and teams $250. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized as Heart & Sole walkers and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear, free breakfast on Walk Day, and invitations to exclusive events.  

People experiencing food insecurity should call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (800-645-8333), which provides confidential, free assistance getting connected to a variety of food resources in 180 languages, and for the hearing impaired. Counselors can pre-screen families and help them to apply for SNAP. Learn more at projectbread.org/get-help.