For the 17th year, a dedicated group from Norwood will lace up their sneakers and head into Boston for a cause that continues to impact communities across Massachusetts. Leading the effort is longtime Norwood Food Pantry volunteer and team captain Nick Campagna, who once again is organizing the pantry’s team for Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger, which will take place on Sunday, May 3.

“This is our 17th year having a Norwood Food Pantry team,” Campagna said. “I originally organized the team as a way to give back to Project Bread for all the grants they provided to the Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood, especially in its early years.”

The Walk for Hunger, one of the state’s most recognized charitable events, has evolved its route over time to comply with COVID restrictions and then expenses. 

“Up until 2019, it was a 20-mile walk through five cities, Boston, Brookline, Newton, Watertown, and Cambridge,” Campagna explained. “After COVID, it was shortened to three miles to help reduce costs. Now it’s three one-mile laps around Boston Common.”

Despite the shorter route, the commitment from Norwood participants remains strong. This year’s team includes Campagna and his wife Barbara, Wayne and Cindy Zafft, Jeannette Chambers, Jennifer Tidd, and Tracy DeShiro. This generous group, however, is still welcoming additional walkers.

“We’re always happy to have more people join us,” Campagna said. “Wayne Zafft and I have each done the walk more than 40 times, going back to the mid-1980s.”

The 83-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. At press time, the Norwood team had raised $5,369, over half of its $10,000 goal.

“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 the 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.”

The impact of the walk extends directly back to the local community. Teams representing food pantries receive 60 percent of the funds they raise, with the remaining portion supporting emergency food programs statewide.

“Last year, our team raised over $10,000, and we’re hoping to top that this year,” Campagna said.

Most of the Norwood team plans to participate together on Sunday morning, May 3, gathering in Boston for the walk and a group photo. Tidd will complete her walk independently while away on a scouting trip.

Campagna emphasized how important community support has been to the pantry’s success. 

“We’re fortunate that the people and businesses of Norwood have been incredibly generous over the years, through both food drives and monetary donations,” Campagna said. “Our pantry continues to grow, but with that growth comes challenges. We’re stretched for space, and we’re also looking for a new executive director to help coordinate our efforts with more than 100 volunteers.”

For those unable to participate in the walk, donations can still make a meaningful difference. Contributions to the Norwood Food Pantry walking team can be made online at give.projectbread.org/norwoodfoodpantry. To donate food or send a direct donation, the Norwood Food Pantry is located at 150 Chapel St., in the basement of the Grace Episcopal Church. Their number is 718-291-3663, or email [email protected]. Food donations are accepted Monday through Friday, 9-11 a.m., in a donation bin outside the pantry. There are also donation boxes inside Norwood Shaw’s and Stop & Shop. For more information, visit norwoodpantry.org.

As the Walk for Hunger approaches, Campagna remains focused on both honoring a long-standing tradition and continuing to meet the needs of the community.

“This walk is about more than just the miles,” Campagna said. “It’s about making sure our neighbors have access to the food and support they need.”