Vegetarian for Life (VfL) are on the lookout for 2021’s rising star in vegan and vegetarian care catering.
This year marks the fifth VfL Awards for Excellence in Veg*n Care catering. With more vegans and vegetarians moving into residential care every year, this annual award recognises those who are pioneering the way in modern care catering.
First launched in 2016, the Annual Awards highlight the importance of catering well for older vegetarians and vegans. VfL recently surveyed 1,000 care homes to find out how many residents are vegan or vegetarian. Since the survey was last commissioned in 2014, the number of vegans in residential care has increased by a whopping 167%.
With growing numbers of vegetarians being supported by the care sector, it is no surprise that news of the awards has been positively received by care organisations.
Last year’s star-studded ceremony saw comedian, actor, writer and film producer Dave Spikey hosting a virtual event streamed live via Facebook and YouTube. The event included inspiring talks covering best practice when catering for vegans and vegetarians in a care setting.
Celebs that kindly gave their time to read out nominations and announce winners were Rose Elliot MBE. Peter Egan, Gary Webster and Wendy Turner Webster.
The categories for this year’s awards are:
• Veggie Care Chef of the Year. The care chef who is making the tastiest meals for older vegans or veggies.
• Veggie Wholesaler of the Year. Meals on Wheels? Food delivery service? Retailer supplying the care sector? Celebrate that company that makes veggie meals easy and practical for everyone.
• Most Innovative Veggie Dish. VfL are are on the lookout for one magnificent recipe – something that is original, and that can be recommended to care caterers around the UK.
• The Beulah Charity Trust Special Recognition Award. This is for that special someone who strives to make the UK a better place for older vegans and vegetarians. This could be a volunteer, a resident, a staff member or anyone pursuing this objective.
To enter, email veggiehero@vegetarianforlife.org.uk with 200 words on who you are nominating and why. Please include photos if possible. Be quick though, the deadline for submissions is Friday 17 September.
Visit the Veggie Heroes Past Winners page to see who has been honoured since the awards were first launched.
