Now here’s a local nonprofit group that I’ve been meaning to highlight for quite a while now, because they’re doing great things for our community by doing something very simple: baking.
It’s called Lasagna Love, and its mission is simple: to feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities by providing food for neighbors in need. Their efforts not only address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families, but also provide a simple act of love and kindness.
Specifically, of course, the food is lasagna, which we can all agree is a meal that always warms the soul. The way it all works is this: a family signs up to receive a lasagna, sharing their name, contact information, total members of the family needing a meal, and any dietary restrictions. The family is then matched with a local lasagna chef, who prepares the lasagna and coordinates directly with the family to arrange delivery.
Local Coordinator Joanne Nania explained,
It was started by one mom in San Diego in March 2020. Right in the beginning of the pandemic, Rhiannon Menn started to see her neighbors begin freaking out about all the shutdowns and she wanted to help. She didn’t know how to do anything BIG but she knew she could make good lasagna. So she made 6 lasagnas and with her toddler in tow, went out and delivered to her neighbors. Her girlfriends found out about it and wanted to help, too.
By the spring, she had been written up in Women’s Day and soon after was featured on GMA. By the end of the summer, she had 3000 chefs in place. Today there are 56000 chefs in place over 3 countries (US, Canada and Australia).
Many Webster residents are already actively participating, and there are 90 chefs across our five-county area. Most sign up to cook either weekly or monthly. But more volunteer chefs are needed.
If you love to bake and have been looking for a way you and your family can volunteer in our community, this is the perfect answer. It’s easy to start. Just sign up on lasagnalove.org, and Joanne will get in touch with you to share some tips and give you any help you need. You’ll get matched with families that live near you, cook a lasagna (or two, or three!) and make a contactless drop-off to your family. Then celebrate that you’ve done a good thing!
If food is your love language, Lasagna Love is a wonderful, flexible way to support your neighbors.
To sign up, or just get more information about this great organization and the impact they’re making, visit the Lasagna Love website or Facebook page.
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(posted 6/28/2024)
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