On a dark, snowy February evening in 2022, the “empty nester blues” hit me hard. Both of my sons were away at college and my husband John was working that night, which isn’t uncommon. I felt so lonely.
I was reading my trusty Good Housekeeping magazine when an article about a nonprofit organization called Lasagna Love leaped out at me. It was founded by a mom who was looking for ways to help other moms in her community during the pandemic.
She and her toddler began making meals for families who were struggling. She founded a nonprofit and, over four years later, Lasagna Love is now an international movement. Their mission is to feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities.
When someone I know has a baby, has lost a loved one, is sick, or is just having a rough time in life, I love to bring them a meal. I know I’m not alone.
I was instantly hooked on the Lasagna Love concept! I enjoy cooking, and lasagna is one of my best dishes according to my son Jacob. I figured I could volunteer at least once or twice a month to deliver lasagna to families in central Indiana. I signed up, and a couple weeks later, made my first delivery.
I’m not sure how many lasagnas I have delivered two-and-a-half years later. But what I am certain of is the feeling of bliss I experience when I create a lasagna for a family in need. It’s like I go into a happy “flow” state of love, joy, and peace.
I begin to think of whatever family I’m helping as soon as I brown the ground beef … shred the mozzarella … and slowly combine all the ingredients. I even pray throughout the process.
It took me a while to figure out the best process for delivering the lasagnas. I finally realized that carrying them in a cardboard box was the safest way to go. John laughs at me when we get a package from Amazon and I exclaim, “Ooooh! That’s a fantastic lasagna box!”
Our columnist is already preparing for her next Lasagna Love delivery. (Photo provided by Amy Shankland)
I now look forward to my monthly deliveries and try to do more when my schedule allows. Some families thank me, others don’t say much. And that’s okay. Just seeing the joy on their faces when they know they don’t have to worry about dinner that evening is enough.
Thanks to Lasagna Love, I don’t dread winter as much as I used to. I see it as an opportunity to bring comfort food to others!
Something I’ve always believed is to cheer ourselves up, especially in the empty nester generation, we should help others. Lasagna Love is a fantastic way to do that, and you can do it as often as you like. They’re always in need of more help and often have a waiting list of families. (Hint, hint!)
You can learn more about this fantastic organization and, if you’re interested, sign up to volunteer at LasagnaLove.org.
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.