For Rhiannon Menn, Lasagna Love showcases the network effect of kindness. “For me, food is love, and it’s how I communicate care and support—so I just decided to start making meals,” she says. Specifically lasagna.

Back in March 2020, she posted on some local groups for moms saying, “‘Hey, if you need a home-cooked meal—no questions asked, my toddler and I are doing this, it keeps her busy, we love it—send me a message and I’ll drop one off at your doorstep.’” 

The first week, they made seven meals in their kitchen in San Diego. Within a few weeks, other moms were offering to cook, and Rhiannon connected volunteers with families who requested meals. Social media spread the idea. In September, the Today show called as she was driving across the US in a camper with her husband and two young kids.