How to Prepare a Meal for a Neighbor in Need, and Deliver it With a Side of Love
This recipe was created by our friends at Lasagna Love. Thank you for sharing your recipe and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their community!
Why this recipe matters
Cooking a meal for a neighbor in need is a simple but impactful way to support your local community. Providing a hot, homemade dish can help families facing tough times while also spreading kindness and building stronger connections with those around you.
Recipe
1. Join Lasagna Love.
- Sign up at www.lasagnalove.org/volunteer and choose the "Just this Once" option to get started with no long-term commitment.
- Review Lasagna Love's food safety video and FAQs.
2. Get matched with a neighbor.
- Once registered, you’ll be paired with a family in your community who has requested a meal.
- Note that in order to participate, you'll need to be willing to exchange contact information with a neighbor, communicate, and schedule delivery.
3. Schedule your delivery.
- Coordinate with the family to find a good time to drop off your homemade meal.
4. Cook your lasagna (or another hearty dish).
- Prepare your favorite comforting meal, such as lasagna, and package it in an easy-to-handle container like an aluminum pan.
5. Deliver the meal.
- Drop off your dish, knowing that you’re not only feeding a family but also sharing kindness.
6. Feel the warmth.
- Enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping someone in your community. If you loved the experience, consider becoming a continuing volunteer with Lasagna Love for a flexible way to give back.
Nutritional information
How this recipe has nurtured a community
“I lost both of my parents this year. Still I cook. I cook because we must help others. I cook because even though I am broken inside people are hungry and need help and are worse off than we are. I cook to be an example to my young child. I cook because I’m a healer. I cook because cooking heals me.”
- Lasagna Love Volunteer
“We received the best lasagna I’ve ever had. Even better than my own (that says a lot). I have 9 people in my household with very little money. I hadn’t eaten in two days when it arrived, and being diabetic that’s very dangerous. After I ate I felt better than I had in a while because I had eaten very little or nothing for days at a time. I know many people are struggling in today’s world just like my family but to me you are a lifesaver and a blessing.”
- Lasagna Recipient
Finishing touch
If you’re interested in hearing more about how acts of kindness like this can change lives, check out Lasagna Love’s social media channels (@wearelasagnalove on IG, FB, and TikTok) to see stories from volunteers who have made a difference, one meal at a time.