Blog
Anchor Butter strengthen community connections through food
By Paul Windo
The Anchor Community Connection Fund has launched its third year, in partnership between UK Community Foundations (UKCF) and Anchor Butter.
In 2025, The London Community Foundation - one of the UK's 47 accredited community foundations in the UKCF network - will be supporting communities in the capital, overseeing the distribution of £25,000 in grants to local organisations dedicated to bringing communities together through food.
Reports from community-led groups, previously funded by the Anchor Community Connection Fund in the last two years, confirm that individuals and families have gained a lot more than companionship at these local services. In addition to arranging social activities, serving hot meals and sharing skills with others, participating volunteers have provided vital secondary support such as guidance, counselling and nutritional advice. One group participant recently shared, “It made me want to leave my home and it raised me out of the deep depression I was in.”
UK-based research including studies by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport show that building community connection improves mental health, reduces loneliness and enhances overall wellbeing, underlining the critical role these initiatives play.
Feedback from UKCF-funded groups reveals that the inclusive spaces have enabled service users to build essential social networks that have resulted in their improved confidence and wellbeing. Talking about the flexibility of the Anchor Community Connection Fund, one volunteer said, “It gives everybody a sense of confidence and freedom to focus on what truly matters – be it emergency assistance, supplies or programmes.”
Chief Executive of UKCF, Emma de Closset, highlighted the trust-based approach of the programme: “The partnership between Anchor and UKCF reflects our joint commitment to doing good across the country, together. We have a shared dedication to enabling meaningful community connections and providing essential support to those in need.
“Flexibility, openness to learning and respect for local decision making have been instrumental in enabling these vital projects. We particularly thank Anchor for empowering local organisations through flexible funding.”
The London Community Foundation has awarded one-year grants to five local community organisations trusted to identify needs and improve lives.
- Be Enriched
- Bold Vision
- Eat Club Limited
- Feast With Us
- Knowledge and Practice (KAP)
Paul Buchanan MBE, CEO at The London Community Foundation, said: "We are thrilled to enter the third year of this partnership with Anchor, meeting vital needs, building community and creating greater equity in London. Anchor’s support addresses the fundamental issues of hunger, isolation and wellbeing and will continue to have an immediate and tangible impact on communities across the city. By working together with UK Community Foundations, Anchor is taking meaningful action to empower grass roots charities that are already trusted in their communities and are best positioned to help those most in need. We are deeply grateful to Anchor for their commitment, vision, and collaborative spirit."
Anchor is the number one British produced butter brand and is owned by Arla Foods, the UK’s biggest dairy company. As a cooperative of around 2,000 farmer owners in the UK, all of Arla’s profits go back to the farmer owners.
Amy Punchard, Anchor Brand Manager, commented: “As the nation’s favourite British produced butter, Anchor knows that food has the power to connect communities, which is why we’re continuing to support UK Community Foundations throughout 2025.
“Food has always been at the heart of community life in Britain and cooking and enjoying food should be accessible for everyone. Through the partnership, we aim to continue to spread a bit of food positivity in neighbourhoods across the nation.”
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