Inspiring Conversations with Megan Harris of Hunt or Gather Buying Club

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Harris. 

Hi Megan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hunt or Gather was originally created to educate people about local food and our food system. It quickly became the connector of local food within the community. Creating an access point for the farmer and distributor to sell their products to the community that they were serving. Hunt or Gather’s mission shifted and became Hunt or Gather Buying Club. We have been up and running in our community since 2013. Organically changing and moving with the needs of the community. It has been my collective family effort; my kids were born helping and continue to help in our work. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
We have had bumps along the way, but it’s help us shift and grow in ways that wouldn’t have happened without the hurdles that we faced. Our project was initially a part of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation and we had a retail storefront. When leadership changed and their focused changed, the project was going to close. We had so many people relying on us as their connector to local food, we had to figure out a way to continue. The name changed and our focus became the Buying Club. The food pickups moved to our residence and we worked in and out of our garage for 5 years. We became so big with so many people coming and going with deliveries and pickups, that we needed to find a commercial space that could host multiple cars and trucks for deliveries and pickups. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hunt or Gather Buying Club is here for the community, farmers, ranchers, and producers. We are the intersection between all of them and we make the process and accessibility possible. We offer literally everything that we can from our local producers and offer the community club member wholesale prices. We love our work! We have worked hard to create an online platform that makes it easy for members to do their weekly orders. Our offerings cover multiple farmers, ranchers, and producers from the Western Slopes to our farmers along the Arkansas River to Fort Collins and Boulder areas. 

We are currently working on ways to help our suppliers lower their waste impact by helping them with more sustainable and reusable options. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I loved being outside, moving my body, and connecting with nature. I was a very sensitive kid, growing up and had a deep sense of empathy for others. I loved playing sports, my teams were my family, grounding me in discipline, dedication, and hard work. 

Pricing:

• $50 1st Year Membership
• $25 2nd Year Membership and every year to follow

Contact Info:

• Email: huntorgatherivywild@gmail.com
• Instagram: huntorgatherllc

Image Credits
Megan Harris