Vegetarian for Life (VfL) has announced the winners of its 2022 Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian and Vegan Care Catering.
On 23 November, 14 rising stars in vegetarian and vegan care catering were honoured in a ceremony held in the Houses of Parliament.
From Veggie Care Chef of the Year to Veggie Wholesaler of the Year, the charity’s 2022 awards proved to be its biggest yet, with a fifth award category introduced to specifically recognise hospital catering teams.
The awards ceremony commenced with inspiring talks and workshops illustrating how those working in the sector could ‘Go from Good to Great’ with activities, with love for food, and with Vegetarian for Life.
Reflecting on her 20 years as a vegan in her keynote address, VfL Chief Executive, Amanda Woodvine commented: “Vegans and vegetarians in care homes certainly existed back in those early days. I remember being told by one care caterer that he had to buy veggie alternatives in with his family’s food shopping and claim the money back – because there was simply nothing available from the care home’s wholesalers.
“Fast forward to today and the difference is staggering. Supermarkets sell a variety of plant based milks, meat alternatives, vegan cheeses, cookies, and even cakes and pastries. And I’m so pleased that wholesalers have followed suit. We were over the moon when the first entirely vegan product catalogues launched.”
This year’s winners were:
Veggie Care Chef of the Year – Bettina Martin, Gibraltar Nursing Home (Evolve Care Group)
Veggie Wholesaler of the Year – Bidfood
Hospital Caterer of the Year – East Lancashire Hospital Trust
Most Innovative Veggie Dish – Philip Meyer, Rivermede Court (Cinnamon Care) – for his filled cabbage leaf with a pepper purée, and soya milk pannacotta with a kiwi lime layer and vegan cinnamon shortbread.
The Beulah Charity Trust Special Recognition Award – The Catering Team, Garden City Court (Quantum Care)
For more information on Vegetarian for Life, the awards, and previous winners head to https://vegetarianforlife.org.uk/veggiehero.
