The competition invites entries from chefs and cooks working across the care sector who are keen to showcase their skills. The NACC Care Chef of the Year is the longest standing care catering competition in the UK, having celebrated its 25th anniversary last year with a record number of entrants.
Preparing nutritious and appetising meals for the most vulnerable in society requires dedication, passion and flair as well as specific skills, but it can also be the most rewarding of all catering roles.
Older people in care homes and in the community often have complex dietary needs and increasing numbers are at risk of, or suffering from, malnutrition. Nutritious and appetising meals can not only save lives but are often the highlight of someone’s day.
The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition challenges entrants to create a delicious, nutritionally balanced two-course menu - main and dessert suitable for service users in a care setting.
The combined food cost for both courses is to be no more than £4.50 per head based on three portions, reflecting the tight budgets care chefs often have to contend with.
Head judge Steve Munkley will again lead a team of experienced judges who will be looking for clear nutritional understanding of the dishes being prepared, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance and visual appeal, as well as waste management and hygiene best practice.
Online judging will be followed by a series of semi-finals in July with the 12 most talented chefs going through to the grand final on 14th October. Enter here.