Gather FAQs

What is Gather?

Gather is an online market stall for local producers and growers to sell their wares directly to you so you can buy local, seasonal produce easily and conveniently. Shopping here means you will be joining a local community in North Lancashire working together to build a healthy, resilient food economy.

What is Gather for and why are you offering it?

So it’s easier for local residents to get food that’s grown locally and seasonally. And so that it’s more efficient for local producers, as one van can deliver food from multiple farms. By shopping at Gather, you will be supporting small, local businesses and make food more sustainable by drastically reducing food miles.

Where are the collection points and when will my order be ready?

Chilled goods to be collected by Friday 7pm at the latest, ambient goods to be collected by Monday mornings. Each collection point opening times vary slightly and will be confirmed in your order email.

• The Centre @ Halton, Low Rd, Halton, Lancaster LA2 6NB (Fridays 2-5pm and 10-5pm at weekends).
• Rebel Waltz, 51 Marine Rd W, West End, Morecambe LA4 4EU (Fridays from 1-7pm) CLOSED on Mondays.
• The Plot, Old Holly Farm, PR3 1AA (Fridays from 4pm)
• Gregson Community Centre, Lancaster, LA1 3PY  (Fridays from 1pm) – main entrance hall, on the left.
• Eggcup, Lancaster, LA1 1NZ. **CHANGE OF COLLECTION TIME** eggcup is now closed on Friday afternoons, but subject to volunteer availability, there may be a pick-up hour between 11-12noon.**
• Caton/Brookhouse: Lune Valley Methodist Hub, LA2 9PA (Fridays from  1pm). Collection point located at the rear, right-hand corner of the car park, next to the clothing collection point.
• Haverbreaks Place, Lancaster, LA1 5BH (Fridays from 1pm)
• Anderson Close, Lancaster, LA1 3JE 9 (Fridays from 1pm)

Can I get home delivery?

Yes! Choose the home delivery option at check-out for a small extra fee of £2.50. All home deliveries are made by eggcup on Fridays.

Lancaster, Crag Bank, Heysham, Morecambe, Forton, algate, Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth and Hest Bank.

If you are unsure whether your home is within the delivery area, please email us at gather@lessuk.org

How do I place my first order?

Sign up for the newsletter and we’ll send you an email when the shop is open each week.
It’s very easy to buy from Gather online – just follow these steps.

• Step 1: Go to the shop front (there will be a weekly order cycle between 2pm on Fridays and 10am on Tuesdays) OR click on the ‘Shop now’ button from the Gather home page.
• Step 2: Select the produce you want to buy and it will be added to your basket.
• Step 3: There’s an option to buy a ‘pay it forward’ voucher as a donation to eggcup to support them to buy more food from Gather to distribute to people who can’t afford to shop this way.
• Step 4: Choose whether you want a home delivery, or a specific collection point.
• Step 5: Follow the steps on screen to pay by debit or credit card.
• Step 6: Eggcup will make deliveries on Fridays and your pickup or collection instructions will be communicated by email confirmation. Don’t forget to take your own bag when collecting your order so we can recycle and re-use the delivery bags.
• Step 7: Savour and enjoy your delicious and nutritious food, safe in the knowledge that it’s been produced with love and care for you, your community and in harmony with nature!
  

Watch a video from the Galloway Food Hub – their process is exactly the same as for Gather.

Are there any periods when the shop closes?

We may take a break in January.

Can I set up a regular subscription order?

Yes – there will be information about how to do that for products that are available all season.

Are the meat items frozen? How soon should it be eaten after collection?

Some meat items sold through Gather have been frozen. These items must be collected by 7pm on a Friday or earlier depending on the collection point opening times. The item should be cooked and eaten within 24 hours from being defrosted. Ensure product is fully defrosted in a refrigerator before use.

Can we return the raw milk bottles to be reused?

No, Farm on the Fell can only sell raw milk in new bottles in line with environmental health guidance. You can refill bottles that you have cleaned yourself at their self service vending machine at the farm, or order milk from Gather in the plastic or glass bottle.

How are ALLERGENS handled at Gather?
Eggcup handles all food orders for Gather and makes every effort to store products containing allergens separate. However, eggcup does handle foods containing allergens so traces may be found.

How do I make a complaint?

• You can read our Complaints policy here
• Please fill out a complaints form here.