Andria Larson, executive director of Lasagna Love, has been supporting people in her community (and around the world) through shared meals made from scratch for years.
A no-questions-asked approach fuels the mission behind Lasagna Love, where a network of volunteer chefs make meals for anyone in need. What started as a mission amongst neighbors during the pandemic has quickly sparked a global movement growing beyond the U.S. into Australia and the United Kingdom with plans to expand operations even further.
“Since stepping into this role, I’ve been focused on building systems that allow us to grow with integrity and impact,” says Andria Larson, Executive Director of Lasagna Love. “Every day, we work to spread kindness and strengthen communities—one lasagna at a time.”
After being introduced to Andria and the incredible team at Lasagna Love via Instagram, our team at GivingTuesday had to know more. So we sat down to learn more and ask Andria a few questions, we hope this story inspires you like it inspired us!
Q&A with Andria Larson, Executive Director of Lasagna Love
Q: When did you first hear about GivingTuesday, and what was your initial reaction?
A: I first heard about GivingTuesday years ago while working in the nonprofit space, but it took on new meaning for me at Lasagna Love. What struck me most was how GivingTuesday shifts the conversation during the holiday season—away from consumerism and toward people and generosity. It’s a collective reminder that giving can take many forms, and that even small acts of kindness can have a big ripple effect. For an organization like ours, it aligns perfectly with our values.
Q: What advice would you give to individuals who want to give back to their community but aren’t sure where to start?
A: Start small and start local. You don’t need a grand plan to make a difference—just a willingness to show up. Look around your neighborhood or your school community. Ask yourself: Who might need a hand? You never know how meaningful a simple gesture—like a home-cooked meal—can be. And if you’re looking for structure, volunteer with an organization that shares your values. Sometimes taking that first step is the hardest part.
Q: Any lessons learned from your work with Lasagna Love so far?
A: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of simplicity. Our model works because it’s accessible—anyone can cook, deliver or request a meal. You don’t have to qualify or explain your situation. That trust in both our volunteers and the people we serve is what makes our impact so personal and powerful. I’ve also learned that scaling kindness requires strong infrastructure. We’ve invested in data systems, volunteer training, and local leadership to make sure we can grow without losing what makes Lasagna Love special.
Q: How does data help your team make decisions and measure success with Lasagna Love’s events and your past GivingTuesday campaigns?
A: Data is foundational to everything we do. It helps us identify where demand is growing, where we need more volunteer chefs, and how we can better support our communities. For GivingTuesday campaigns, we use data to set clear goals, track engagement and evaluate impact beyond just dollars raised. Are more people getting meals? Are we seeing new volunteers sign up? Are returning donors still with us? That’s the kind of insight that allows us to learn and improve year over year.
Q: Do you have a favorite or is there a standout moment from your time with Lasagna Love?
A: There have been so many meaningful moments—it’s hard to choose just one. But recently, we saw our first volunteer chef and meal recipient paired in London, and it really stayed with me. Saskia, the volunteer, discovered us through a YouTube video. She shared that she’s always looking for ways to support her community and felt drawn to the idea of using something as simple as cooking to make a difference. She was matched with someone facing mental health and disability challenges—someone for whom preparing a home-cooked meal can be incredibly difficult.
The gratitude between them was deeply moving. Saskia was thankful for the chance to give back in a tangible, personal way, and the recipient felt truly seen and supported. That connection—strangers brought together by a shared moment of kindness—is what it’s all about. To see this happening not just locally but now globally…it was a powerful reminder of how this mission has scaled beyond oceans.
Q: What’s your go-to way to engage with volunteers and donors ahead of GivingTuesday or another big event?
A: Authentic, people-first communication is key. We make it a point to share real stories from the families we serve and the volunteers who make it all happen. We use email, social media, and local ambassador networks to spread the word, but what really drives engagement is reminding people that they’re part of something bigger than themselves. I also believe in transparency—sharing what we’re working toward and how their support fuels that mission.
Q: We know December 2 is several months away, but what can we expect for your GivingTuesday campaign this year?
A: We like to say, “Kindness doesn’t scale through systems. It scales through incredible people.” That belief is at the core ofeverything we’re planning for GivingTuesday this year. It’s the heartbeat of Pasta For a Purpose, our end-of-year campaign where we celebrate radical kindness, neighbor-to-neighbor connection, and the deep power of a single home-cooked meal.
We’re leaning into storytelling more than ever—spotlighting the ripple effect of radical generosity that unfolds when just one person shows up with a pan of lasagna and a whole lot of heart. Because every meal has a story, and every story reminds us what real giving looks like.
This year, we’ll also be inviting donors to virtually build lasagnas for their neighbors in need. It’s a way to connect with the mission in a hands-on, heart-forward way—not just donating, but imagining someone on the other side of the table who will feel seen, nourished, and cared for.
We’ll be giving our volunteers the tools to rally their own local communities too—with mini fundraisers, meal drives, and creative acts of generosity. Because Lasagna Love isn’t built on big systems or red tape. It’s built on people who care. And that’s exactly what GivingTuesday represents to us.
From my home to yours, we’re ready to make this our most meaningful season yet.
