Mary Vickers: Chaplain, Food Justice Advocate, and Champion for Community Resilience

At the heart of North East Lincolnshire, Mary Vickers has been a constant force for connection — bringing people together to nurture both spirit and sustenance. As a chaplain supporting individuals at E-Factor and Humberside Airport, and as a passionate advocate for food justice, Mary embodies compassion in action.

From food coordinator to food partnership leader

Over four years as Community Food Coordinator for Sector Support NEL, Mary brought together local food providers, encouraged collaboration and shared learning, resourced community initiatives, and led an evidence-based approach that moved beyond emergency food distribution. She practically engaged in growing, planting, and harvesting — transforming a disused council carpark into a thriving community garden. Her budget-friendly cookery projects helped people cook affordably. These grassroots efforts helped North East Lincolnshire join the Greater Lincolnshire Food Partnership and win a Sustainable Food Places award.

Volunteering with vision

Although Mary has stepped away from her coordinator role, she continues to contribute as co-chair of the Northern Lincolnshire chapter of the national Food Partnerships network. Mary is also a Director of Grounded in Grimsby CIC, which manages the community garden in Garibaldi St carpark — providing space for community groups to grow fruit and veg and learn to cook with the produce.

Contact: maryv.food@gmail.com