Gary Mack, who heads up GCDA’s Community Development Programme is to be featured on BBC radio this week talking about his favourite subject – food! Gary, who joined Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency as a volunteer five years ago, has a background in high-end retail, but his real passion is cooking for friends.
“I learned to cook at state school in Scotland and was one of just a handful of boys in my year group to gain a qualification in Home Economics. When lockdown started I was dropping off essentials to a few friends and it dawned on me that we all really missed the sense of community that cooking and eating together brings. I asked some of those living close by if they’d like to make one communal dish a week and split it into a takeaway. I ordered glass containers which can go straight into the oven and we time deliveries to fit in with our work commitments, dropping off at a distance. We now have five home-cooked meals a week and love sharing our reactions to each other’s food. It’s really helped us all feel cared for – a hug on a plate!”
Gary has named his community idea Distance Dining and it seems to be attracting attention. They’ve even got a specially designed logo! Gary’s idea has been picked up by BBC Radio 4 and you can hear him talking about it on You and Yours very soon. Watch this space. Learn more about Gary’s passion for food on his blog www.garysgrub.comand on Instagram @garysgrub
Mary Jane Baxter
Press and Marketing,
GCDA Curator, Made in Greenwich