MORGANTOWN — Lasagna Love, a nonprofit organization that encourages members of the community to cook up some kindness for their neighbors in need, is looking for volunteers to join in its mission.
“It’s a wonderful volunteer organization,” said Tiffany Seum, the regional leader for Lasagna Love. “All it really is is a neighbor giving another neighbor a lasagna or making a lasagna for another neighbor that needs it.”
The organization was launched at the start of the pandemic as a way to help moms, families and neighbors who are struggling, whether that struggle was financial, emotional or simply feeling overwhelmed.
According to its website, lasagnalove.org, part of the mission is to eliminate stigmas associated with asking for help when it is needed most. But the overall goal of the organization is simple — feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities.
Organizers want to not only help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families but also to provide a simple act of love and kindness during a time full of uncertainty and stress, according to the site.
This viral community impact movement has spread globally but is just getting started here in West Virginia. Seum has big dreams for the organization’s possible growth in the state.
“We currently only have 20 volunteers in West Virginia, but I’m trying to recruit more,” she said. There are other states, like Connecticut, that have the opposite problem with more volunteers to cook the meals than people in need of them.
“I want to get it like that here in West Virginia,” Seum said. She hopes the organization can be a helpful asset to people who are struggling in West Virginia.
“Our state needs help,” she said. “There is a homeless epidemic and an opioid crisis here, and I feel like a lot of people are ignoring it.”
While the organization suggests making a lasagna in its name, the meal can be anything you want. “It doesn’t have to be a lasagna,” Seum said. “If a neighbor needs food, it could be whatever they want.” Those requesting meals can even specify if they need gluten-free or have any dietary restrictions like an allergy.
There are no restrictions on who can participate in the program. According to Seum, if you need a lasagna, you can request one or if you have a lasagna, you can give one. It’s just about helping your neighbors and spreading love.
To sign up to be a volunteer or to request a meal visit lasagnalove.org.
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