LGK Love Food badge Strategic Pillar for LGK
Love Food
Engaging people through food, culture, heritage & belonging.
Our Mission and Vision
We are building a universal model to share cultural stories globally. Our mission preserves heritage across all generations, positioning us as a premier international program provider.
Meet the Director
Michelle Panayioutou
Director of Love Food
Michelle brings together over 15 years’ experience in healthcare and social care with a lifelong passion for food, catering and authentic Greek-Cypriot cooking. As Head Chef at Lakis Greek Kitchen and Director of Love Food, she uses food to connect people with culture, heritage, identity, belonging and wellbeing.
LOVE FOOD STRATEGY
Michelle creates and delivers community projects primarily based on food, engaging people from primary school-aged children through to centenarians. Her work explores how food connects us to culture, heritage, identity, belonging and overall wellbeing — through cooking, teaching, hosting, catering and community outreach.
2014
From a Pop-up Taverna to a Community Movement
Meet the Director
Lakis Greek Kitchen
Founded in 2014 to honor Lakis Panayiotou, Lakis Greek Kitchen has evolved from a small pop-up into a vital third-sector organization. We address chronic health, food insecurity, and social isolation, transforming a heartfelt tribute into a powerful global platform for social change and authentic connection.
LOVE FOOD STRATEGY
OUR FOCUS
Addressing Modern Community Challenges
01
Ending Hunger and Isolation
We combat the rising crisis of food insecurity by providing nourishing meals while fostering social connections. We work alongside Handsworth school association to ensure no one in our community faces hardship or loneliness alone.
02
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Culture is the heartbeat of our community. We bridge the gap in heritage preservation by celebrating diverse local stories, ensuring our traditions and collective history remain vibrant for future generations.
03
Empowering Our Youth
We provide vital skills training and mental wellbeing support for young people. By investing in their potential, we help them navigate modern challenges while building a resilient and confident future.
FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
01
90-Minute Workshop
90-Minute Workshop
02
Full-Day Food School
Full-Day Food School
03
Celebration Event
Celebration Event
Live Projects
Discover the projects that are active today.
Projects
Families supported every week through our community food bank
Weeks of essential grocery support provided during the Christmas period
Looking Ahead
What Success Looks Like for 2028
Empowering individuals through a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and improved practical skills.
Boosting food security and paving clear routes into the hospitality industry for our community.
Building vibrant community spaces where intergenerational connections flourish and nobody ever leaves hungry.
Let's Talk
Join us in supporting our community and celebrating our vibrant Greek-Cypriot heritag