New Gather coordinator Michael Pymer explains why community work around food has captured his heart…
Since arriving at Lancaster University in 2009, I’ve been passionate about supporting our local communities.
Over the years, I’ve worked with organisations like Calico, Acorn Recovery Projects, Adactus Homes, and Barnardos, helping those facing homelessness, mental health challenges, housing recovery, and addiction.
I even led a COVID team for the council during the pandemic.
But it’s been my community work around food – as a trustee with Fork to Fork and supporting the Ridge Community Centre allotment – that’s really captured my heart.
That’s why I’m thrilled to have started as Gather coordinator with LESS in May.
Food isn’t just about what we eat – it’s about health, wellbeing, and bringing communities together.
Good food experiences nourish the soul, and when our local producers work ethically to protect their environment, it supports local agroecology and food sovereignty.
Through Gather, I’m helping connect amazing local ethical producers like The Plot, Growing with Grace, Farm on the Fell, and Wyreside Mushrooms with customers across Lancaster, Morecambe, and nearby villages.
I help manage our shop, coordinate our network of producers, and handle the logistics of packing and deliveries – all to get fantastic local produce to people’s tables through our hub points.
You can find our shop through the Open Food Network at openfoodnetwork.org.uk/gather/shop.
The Open Food Network does incredible work supporting local food systems, and we’re proud to be part of that movement.
But I understand that with the cost of living crisis, buying local isn’t always affordable for everyone.
The wonderful thing is there are loads of ways to take back control of where your food comes from.
Join a local growing group like those at Scotch Quarry or Claver Hill – you’ll meet amazing communities while growing food together.
Sign up for an allotment, or create a local food club ordering from suppliers like SUMA.
Our food and land use in the UK needs better regulation, but amazing things are happening at grassroots level.
There are brilliant ways to get involved and make a real difference in how we feed our communities.
My Quaker values have always guided me toward supporting others, and this role feels like the perfect way to do that while building a more sustainable food future for Lancaster.
Why not join us in creating positive change around food in our area?
