When photographer Eric Meola thinks about the 50th anniversary of Born to Run, one thing comes to mind: magic.
“You know, I like to believe that it’s a magical thing that it’s the 50th anniversary for the FoodBank as well as for Born to Run,” he said. “There’s something symbiotic going on there — it’s just magical.”
This year, as CFBNJ celebrates 50 years of providing food, help, and hope, Bruce Springsteeen’s iconic 1975 album marks its own golden anniversary. To commemorate both milestones, the FoodBank is collaborating with Eric and art director Dave Bett to release a limited edition, hand-numbered lithograph poster of a photo from Born to Run‘s original cover shoot, with all net proceeds benefitting our mission.
Eric, who took the photo five decades ago, described this project as a natural fit: “It was only natural that when I saw Bruce donating to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, I said to myself, ‘What an incredible thing. I’ve got this treasure trove of photographs that are some of the most sought-after photographs of Bruce, and what a great way to make money for the food bank.'”
Springsteen is a long-time devoted friend and supporter of CFBNJ. His decades-long relationship with FoodBank founder Kathleen DiChiara has led him to volunteer, champion fundraising efforts, and lend his starpower to spread the word about the fight against hunger in his home state.
Eric shares in Bruce’s commitment to supporting people in need: “It’s only natural to want to donate to charity, and it’s a great feeling. It’s an incredible feeling, especially with Bruce involved.”
And for him, the significance of Born to Run‘s original release 50 years ago goes beyond the music or the image he captured. It’s about the moment in history: “The country was going through some bad times,” he remembered. “We had just gotten out of Vietnam. Watergate had happened. The Pentagon Papers. People were not in a good place. And then, along came Bruce in Born to Run.”
That optimism and resilience — born in a turbulent time — is just as relevant now. Today’s challenges are different, but the importance of hope remains. That’s part of what makes this partnership with CFBNJ so meaningful. For 50 years, the FoodBank has been a source of nourishment and support for New Jerseyans in need, much like Springsteen’s music has been a source of inspiration and connection for generations of fans.
By linking the two anniversaries, Eric hopes to raise both funds and awareness.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he said with a smile. “And if it can help feed people, that’s something worth doing every time.”
