As Black History Month unfolds, Grace Foods UK, the country’s leading supplier of Caribbean food and drink, is celebrating its enduring legacy of culture, connection and community. Teaming up with award-winning chefs and cultural champions Craig and Shaun McAnuff, better known as the Original Flava Brothers, Grace is shining a well-deserved spotlight on the everyday heroes who uplift and empower their communities.
The collaboration forms part of Grace’s global Good Move campaign, a heartwarming initiative driven from the brand’s Jamaican headquarters. Now in its 103rd year, Grace continues to honour the spirit of togetherness that has made it a household name across the Caribbean and beyond. Through the Good Move campaign, Grace celebrates individuals who go above and beyond — from community cooks and teachers to local leaders and mental health advocates — those who quietly yet powerfully embody the Grace philosophy: food, family, and fellowship.
Cooking Up Inspiration with the Original Flava Brothers
Few people capture that philosophy better than Shaun and Craig McAnuff. The London-based brothers have carved out a special place in the hearts (and kitchens) of millions through their vibrant, accessible approach to Caribbean cooking.
From viral TikTok recipes to bestselling cookbooks and BBC appearances, the pair have become ambassadors of Caribbean culture, blending traditional recipes with modern twists and a generous dash of humour. Their warm, family-focused ethos has helped a new generation embrace the beauty and soul of Caribbean cuisine — proving that food can be both a bridge to heritage and a force for positive change.
A Celebration of Everyday Heroes
Last month, Grace Foods UK and the Original Flava Brothers invited the public to nominate “everyday heroes” — people making a genuine difference in their communities — for the chance to win a place at an exclusive Original Flava Brothers masterclass. The competition drew heartwarming stories from across the country, highlighting the many unsung individuals who make life better for others.
Among the chosen winners were Charlene and Stephanie, founders of the Helping Hands Collective in south London. When Shaun and Craig personally visited them to deliver the good news, it was a fitting tribute to two women who have turned compassion into action.
The Helping Hands Collective runs a community pantry that ensures families have access to affordable, healthy food. But their work goes far beyond food — they also organise well-being workshops to combat social isolation and support those struggling with mental health challenges. Their holistic approach reflects a simple but powerful belief: that food nourishes not just the body, but the soul and spirit of a community.
Honouring Heritage, Food and the Spirit of Giving
“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the immense contributions of everyday heroes, who are true pillars of our communities, going above and beyond to ensure that every member of their neighbourhood is looked after,” said Kimberley Lue Lim, Head of Marketing at Grace Foods UK.
She added:
“Lack of access to affordable, nutritious food is often what inspires these heroes to step up and support those around them, and this year we wanted to celebrate their incredible efforts. Caribbean food has always been about more than just flavour – it’s about bringing warmth, comfort and cheer to those we’re celebrating.”
As National Jerk Day approaches later this month, the collaboration feels perfectly timed. The day, which is celebrated globally, honours one of the Caribbean’s most iconic dishes — a culinary expression of resilience, creativity, and togetherness.
“As we mark National Jerk Day globally at the end of this month, it feels the perfect moment to honour both the food and the people who embody its vibrant spirit. And who better to do this with than Shaun and Craig, whose passion for sharing Caribbean recipes and stories continues to bring communities together,” added Lue Lim.
Investing in the Next Generation
Grace Foods UK’s celebration of community doesn’t stop there. Together with its parent company GraceKennedy, the brand has also announced the opening of applications for the 2026 GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Summer Internship Programme.
The initiative invites second- and third-generation Jamaicans in the UK, aged 18 to 25, to reconnect with their roots through a six-week professional and cultural internship in Jamaica. The programme unites students from the UK, Canada, and the US, offering them the chance to experience life, work, and culture in the homeland of their ancestors.
Applications for the 2026 programme are now open, with the deadline closing on 30 November. Interested applicants can find more details and apply via www.bit.ly/GKBirthright or contact [email protected] for further information.
Continuing a Legacy of Connection
As Grace Foods celebrates 103 years of flavour, culture, and community, its message rings as true today as it did in its beginnings in Jamaica: food has the power to bring people together, to tell stories, and to inspire positive change.
By partnering with the Original Flava Brothers and celebrating the unsung heroes who serve others every day, Grace isn’t just honouring history — it’s investing in the heart of the future.
