“You don’t need a big kitchen to do big things.”
Meet Jacqueline, an extraordinary volunteer chef at Lasagna Love. Since 2021, she has been delivering homemade lasagna to her neighbors, each with unique challenges, from families who have lost a loved one to those battling cancer, recovering from surgery, caring for disabled family members, or even pregnant women on bed rest. She has also supported those who have lost their homes to fires, are recovering from substance abuse, have mobility issues, or are dealing with mental illness. The individual life stories of her recipients are a testament to the far-reaching impact of Lasagna Love’s work. Jacqueline’s unwavering dedication is truly inspiring.
In 2022, a woman living in a domestic violence shelter received a lasagna delivery from Jacqueline. After sharing her living situation, Jacqueline made additional lasagna for all the families staying there, bringing smiles to so many women’s faces. She was matched with the same woman again in 2023. Despite trying to keep her deliveries contactless, the recipient asked to see her. Jacqueline remembered her and was proud of her progress. These chance encounters reaffirmed Jacqueline’s commitment to our mission and created a profound sense of connection and shared humanity, making everyone involved feel a part of something bigger.
Last spring, Jacqueline fulfilled her goal of delivering lasagna to the rural areas of western Nebraska, where there are no volunteers. This year, she extended her reach to west Iowa. She made three separate routes in three days and drove 1,385 miles in 26 hours. “I had the pleasure of feeding 33 families (66 adults and 48 kids) 36 lasagnas.” Despite the challenges of living in a modest apartment with a small kitchen, she adapts, overcomes, and improvises. Her small deep freezer, capable of holding 15 lasagnas, is a testament to her resourcefulness. With her determination and resilience, Jacqueline proves that the size of your impact isn’t based on the size of your kitchen. “You don’t need a big kitchen to do big things” is one of her favorite things to tell people.
As a volunteer, she enjoys working with Lasagna Love. She has met some of the best people while volunteering. Her schedule and budget allow her to deliver every other week. Jaqueline says, “LL gives volunteers so much flexibility, which I love. Can you only drive 5 miles and make one call every month or two? Great! Could you do it? Can you manage 3 per week? Wonderful! There’s no judgment from anyone. We all do good when we can. However often you’re able, you impact the person you are cooking for. People tend to think of this as just lasagna. But to me, it’s a meal they may not have had when they needed it. ”
Jacqueline’s lasagnas symbolize care and support, reminding families they are not alone in their struggles. Her simple act of kindness has brought joy and nourishment to those in need, creating positivity across her community. The impact of Lasagna Love’s work is not confined to the families they serve. It extends to the community, fostering a sense of unity and compassion. By supporting Lasagna Love, you are helping individuals in need and becoming a part of a larger, inclusive community.
