Lasagna And Love Continue To Feed Somerset County Families

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater resident Shari DiBrito continues to bake up a storm as she helps to feed families in Somerset and Hunterdon counties with lasagna.

Since launching her local chapter of LasagnaLove.org in February, DiBrito and her group of volunteers have dished out close to 100 lasagnas.

"It's been really exciting," said DiBrito, who lives in the Bradley Gardens section of Bridgewater. "Nationwide we hit 100,000 lasagnas on National Lasagna Day on July 29."

In New Jersey, DiBrito said the nonprofit organization has baked well over 6,000 lasagnas.

Additionally, DiBrito has expanded to partner with the Somerville YMCA Food Bank to provide lasagna there every second Tuesday of the month.

DiBrito got involved with LasagnaLove.org when the COVID pandemic started. The nonprofit organization started in California where "Lasagna Mamas and Papas" bake and deliver free lasagnas to families in need. It has since grown into a national movement. DiBrito loved the idea and brought it to Somerset County. And now Hunterdon County.

Anyone can request a lasagna and DiBrito encourages it.

"We are here for anybody who needs a lasagna," said DiBrito. "Whether you have an illness, lost a job or mom and dad just need a break. We are here for anybody. No judgement."

With her growing local chapter, DiBrito says she could always use more volunteers. Volunteers can help in many ways such as signing up to make a lasagna or deliveries.

Volunteers can set their own schedule as far as how often they want to bake and how far they want to drive each week. The volunteers are then matched to a recipient to help.

To request a lasagna: lasagnalove.org/request. To nominate someone: lasagnalove.org/nominate; Or to get involved: lasagnalove.org/volunteer-2 or email DiBrito, at shari@lasagana love.org.

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