Zoe Lazar (NJ) High School Recipient - PHILANTHROPIC

Nancy met me in the foyer of her building, waiting on the bench beside her shiny red walker. She shared that she lives alone and eats peanut butter sandwiches nightly due to feeling pain when food shopping or cooking. As she talked about her granddaughter, I carried the hot tray to her apartment, realizing our conversation may have nourished her even more than the food.

Last week, I matched with Carla, a domestic violence survivor living in a motel with her baby. She noted she recently left her abusive partner, secured a restraining order, and was cleaning rooms at the motel to pay rent. She expressed sincere gratitude for the warm meal and homemade cookies. I drove away wishing I could have done more.

These are just a few incredibly meaningful experiences I had volunteering with Lasagna Love over the past year. Each week, I matched with a local family in need and prepared a homemade lasagna. Every connection taught me that food is more than sustenance; it offers comfort, hope, and a reminder that someone cares. Through these experiences, I fully embraced the core value of philanthropy, freely giving to others with empathy and compassion.

Lasagna Love opened my eyes to deeper emotional needs accompanying food insecurity. The organization’s no judgment policy reminded me that hardship comes in many forms, and we never know what someone is facing behind closed doors. I have witnessed food insecurity based on financial hardships, physical limitations, and mental health struggles.

As I look toward my future, I plan to major in psychology in college and ultimately earn my doctorate in clinical psychology. I aim to counsel individuals through their personal hardships, continuing to make a significant impact on my community. I aspire to help at-risk youth, work with children of divorced families, and advocate for mental health services. The core value of philanthropy will guide me in my future career by reminding me to always approach my work with compassion, generosity, and a genuine desire to improve others’ lives.