Care-home and hospital caterers as well as suppliers and advocates came together to celebrate innovation, compassion and dignity in vegetarian and vegan care meals.
Satpal Kambo of Garden City Court, Quantum Care, was named Care/Hospital Caterer of the Year for ‘transforming’ plant-based dining through resident-led menu development and imaginative weekly meals.
Philip Meyer of Avery Healthcare won recognition for creating inventive and commercially viable vegan dishes, while Suma was celebrated as Supplier of the Year for its ethical, sustainable and largely vegan product range.
Maureen Behan of Little Sisters of the Poor received special recognition for over 30 years of dedicated service, consistently delivering nutritious, personalised meals with heart. Interactive workshops encouraged delegates to explore practical ways to make plant-based meals a standard of care rather than an exception.
Amanda Woodvine, chief executive of VfL, said: “We’re here to celebrate something much deeper – the people who understand that food isn’t for show; it’s for meaning. In every care setting, food is one of the most tangible expressions of respect.
“It’s where belief, culture and dignity all come together on a plate. And when we get that right – it’s not just good catering – it’s good care. Today’s awards celebrate care providers and caterers who’ve turned compassion into daily practice, and belief into action. What you do changes lives – and today, we’re here to recognise that.”