In February we debuted our brand new website, by June we realized people were actively trying to destroy it.
Written by: Andria Larson, Executive Director
Nonprofit leadership is never boring, and here’s a prime example: In February, we at Lasagna Love were thrilled to debut our freshly redesigned website. It was bright, user-friendly, and a true reflection of the kindness and connection we work so hard to foster. But by June, we realized something unsettling—our shiny new site was under attack.
Yes, you read that right. The very space we had poured countless hours into creating—a space meant to break barriers and spread kindness—became a target. And while the irony of receiving an email from our hosting company touting their success in blocking 1.8 billion attacks (with a “B”!) wasn’t lost on me, it didn’t soften the sting of being in the thick of one.
Here’s what we learned during this unexpected challenge:
1. Protect Your People at All Costs
When the attacks started, our first priority wasn’t our website—it was our people. That included our incredible volunteer web designer, Krissy, who had poured her heart and countless hours into the site redesign. We immediately stepped in to shield her from the chaos, allowing leadership to take the brunt of the problem. Once the all-clear was given, Krissy dove back in, bringing the site back to life with her usual brilliance.
In the midst of all this, our resilient volunteer community rose to the occasion. Even as our top funnel—the heart of how we match requests to volunteers—was being rebuilt, our volunteers didn’t miss a beat. Without hesitation and with no directive needed, they got straight to work, delivering lasagnas to anyone in need. Over 3,600 people were impacted, including kiddos and families, during this time of uncertainty. Our mission didn’t stop—it was powered forward by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers who refused to let challenges stand in the way of spreading kindness.
We also had a new Portal Director, Cheri. Fresh ink from her acceptance letter still drying, she stepped right into this challenge. Welcome to the team—let’s put your onboarding on hold for a moment! Cheri waited for the “all clear,” taking the opportunity to observe while we were under fire. By the time she stepped fully into her role, she had a foundation—and, importantly, she didn’t feel like she was drinking from a firehose, ensuring she was ready to make an impact when the time came.
This experience reminded me why I’m so proud of our team. At Lasagna Love, we don’t just value our volunteers and staff—we protect them. Leadership exists to navigate challenges so that our people can keep doing what they love without burning out. By creating an environment where our team feels supported, even under pressure, we set the stage for long-term success
2. Strengthen Volunteer Systems
Lasagna Love runs on the passion and commitment of over 56,000 volunteers. From lasagna chefs to Regional Directors, these incredible individuals power everything we do. This experience taught us the importance of fortifying our systems—not just technologically, but also operationally—to preserve our volunteers’ energy and ensure they feel supported, even in times of crisis.
We reexamined access protocols, credentials, and communication strategies, learning how to protect both our mission and the hearts of those who serve it.
3. Technology Is Not Optional
Here’s my (potentially unpopular) opinion: Technology isn’t just important—it’s vital. Without it, Lasagna Love wouldn’t have been able to scale globally in just four years, impacting over two million people during a time when the world was shut down.
But let’s face it: asking for technology funding in a grant proposal isn’t exactly captivating. It’s not as “sexy” as the direct-to-need model we demonstrate daily, with meals going straight from volunteer chefs to those in need. Still, the very thing that sets us apart requires robust (and costly!) technology—and that means doubling down on these costs, even when it’s hard to justify on paper.
As I prepare our 2025 budget, I’ve come to terms with the fact that our website and digital infrastructure are as much a part of our mission as the lasagnas we deliver. If we want to keep feeding families and breaking barriers, we need a fortress to get us there. Challenge accepted!
To support our mission as a volunteer, donate, or simply know more check out our site www.lasagnalove.org
Andria R. Larson
Executive Director and proud volunteer chef