Share a lasagna to spread kindness through the area

Sometimes, a home-cooked meal is all it takes to lift spirits and spread kindness. That’s the goal of Lasagna Love, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, and an idea the organization would like to grow in North Central and Northeastern Wisconsin.

The project started in March 2020, when the founder delivered lasagnas to her neighbors in the early days of the COVID- 19 pandemic, as a way to lighten their loads amidst all the changes. The movement spread, as more people began making lasagnas to distribute to those struggling financially or emotionally, or to those who are just overwhelmed.

Wendy Agudelo, Lasagna Love public relations, says volunteering is easy and there is no long-term commitment.

Volunteers, referred to as “lasagna mamas” and “lasagna papas,” can define how often they would like to cook, the mileage radius they are willing to travel, and if they are able to accommodate any allergies or preferences.

“They have full control over their schedule and can pause themselves at any time,” said Erin Selsby, Midwest regional director.

From there, Selsby says the organization’s optimizer matches families with volunteers on Tuesdays, each week. She says the lasagna chefs will receive an email each week they are scheduled, letting them know whether they have matches or not.

“The model that we use has been so amazingly effective, that Lasagna Love is today, powered by more than 20,000 men and women,” said Agudelo.

Selsby says the turnaround time for making the lasagnas really depends on how many volunteer chefs Lasagna Love has in a given area, though they ask that all meals are delivered within seven days.

Agudelo says the organization delivers between 4,0007,000 meals a week, across all 50 states.

“Our main goal right now, is growth and getting a regional leader to take over these areas, to really get the word out,” said Selsby.

People who want to help out, but are not keen on cooking, can donate to other local chefs or to Lasagna Love.

Those who are interested in volunteering, donating or requesting a lasagna, can go to lasagnalove.org.