Bridgewater Neighbors Helping Neighbors One Lasagna At A Time

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater resident Shari DiBrito has been busy baking up a storm to help feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen the Somerset County community.

DiBrito, who lives in the Bradley Gardens section of the township, launched a local chapter of LasagnaLove.org, whose mission is not only to help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families but also to provide a simple act of love and kindness during a time full of uncertainty and stress.

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.

"With COVID hitting, I am immune comprised from cancer years ago, so I can't go to church and serve. I thought if I can't serve in church, where can I serve?" DiBrito said. "I figured I can serve the community in this way."

As soon as DiBrito put a call out to the community for anyone in need she immediately had 7 people request lasagnas. It then grew to 28 and continues to grow.

"Anyone can sign up for a free lasagna. Whether they have an illness, financial instability, just a mom or dad overwhelmed because of the situation right now. If there is a need we will meet it," said DiBrito.

"We don't ask questions, we don't judge. Someone who has a big, huge SUV and a giant house might have a greater need than someone with a clunker in a small house. We don't know what happens behind closed doors," said DiBrito.

Recently DiBrito has expanded to reach out to local first responders "to begin the process of thanking them, with hot and delicious lasagna dinners, for all they've done for us this past year."

To help keep up with the demand, DiBrito has been actively recruiting "Lasagna Mamas and Papas." 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 LasagnaMamaShari@gmail.com.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.