The pandemic - the term conjures so many mixed emotions, most of which are not positive. Yet, there were instances of silver linings that developed from the fear and trepidation of such uncertain times. I remember people in Europe creating mini chorus lines from their windows - people singing in harmony showing camaraderie and providing bits of peace for each other. Not every good deed was highly publicized, with many flying under the radar; instances abound of neighbor helping neighbor with small tokens of assistance or comfort for people they usually did not associate with. To borrow from Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
One organization that rose from the ashes of the lockdowns was Lasagna Love, a non-profit designed to help people suffering from food insecurities. Their story is an inspiring one. Rhiannon Menn of San Diego, California, and her daughter began making and delivering meals to people suffering during COVID-19. Some people struggled financially due to job loss or a decrease in hours, some were just scared and overwhelmed, and all needed just a little comfort and kindness. Just knowing someone cared about them and acknowledged their existence did wonders for their insecurities.
News of Menn’s philanthropy spread and soon others began taking up the mantle - the concepts circulated throughout the nation as people, disconnected from society, yearned to be connected to each other. Food is the tool to accomplish their mission of spreading kindness and strengthening communities.
The charity has impacted 1.5 million people across the U.S., Australia, and Canada since its inception in 2020. How exactly does it work? It starts with volunteers who prepare and deliver lasagnas (or other foods) to people who have contacted the charity and requested a meal. The process is quiet as to encourage people in need to reach out without stigma or fear of rejection. The requester is matched with a volunteer, information about dietary restrictions is communicated, and a day/time for delivery is scheduled. It’s as simple as that.
Heather Harris is a de facto leader of the chapter here in Polk County. However, she does not live here, or in Missouri at all, she is in Wisconsin. This distance creates a problem: she can’t get food to Missourians in a timely manner. Being hours away from the need means she relies on people traveling here to deliver goods. She is also backlogged, even in her own neighborhood. She told me people who submitted orders in October are still waiting for meals; she just cannot get them done any faster.
Harris said there are requests in Morrisville and Bolivar but she cannot get them here until someone is heading this way or she can dedicate a day for driving and deliveries.
Here is where you can help! Bolivar, and Polk County in general, are charitable communities so she reached out to ask if any cooks want to help with people around their communities.
You have to be willing to make lasagnas, but that is not all they do. If you want to make a casserole or some other dish, they will take it! As long as it is enough to feed the family, they are happy with what they can get. There is a process to follow and dietary needs that have to be met.
Lasagna Love is a flexible charity, and that is why Harris likes it so much. She has children and works full time so she could not do a lot of other organizations that demand a lot of her time; she doesn’t have a lot of time to give. With Lasagna Love, it is cooking a meal, something she does for her family anyway. It also helps to show her kids how to be kind and donate what they can to others, “My daughter already knows how to make lasagna….and she’s five,” she said with a laugh, but it was obvious she was proud of it; her little girl is learning how to cook while also forging a charitable heart.
If you think you can help provide meals for people in need around Polk County, you can go to lasagnalove.org and volunteer. There is a portal at the top of the page to fill out, allowing you to be connected to a family. If you are a family in need, you are welcome to go to this site as well. Though no one is ever turned away, Harris warns that, without some local volunteers, the orders may take a while to fulfill.
