Care Home Catering Services: A buyer’s guide for care providers
Food plays a central role in the everyday lives of people receiving residential care. Beyond providing essential nutrition, meals can offer enjoyment, social interaction, familiarity and opportunities for residents to exercise choice and independence. But delivering high-quality care catering involves considerably more than preparing three meals a day. Care providers must accommodate changing nutritional requirements, […]
Why premium dining experiences are on the rise in care facilities
There’s a transformation happening in care facilities across the UK: rather than simply keeping residents fed and hydrated, more providers than ever are focusing on high-end provision with quality ingredients and a luxury dining experience. Here, Josh Perry – Head of Sector for Care at AVE – explores this trend… A growing number of high-end settings are […]
November 2026 is Catering Equipment Month on Care Briefing: Make sure your solutions are part of the story!
Each month on Care Briefing we shine a spotlight on a different part of the care sector – and this November we’ll be focusing on Catering Equipment solutions. It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help care industry professionals find the best products and services available today. So, if you’re a supplier of Catering […]
New catering qualification aims to raise food and nutrition standards in care settings
A new accredited qualification designed specifically for catering professionals working across health and social care has welcomed its first learners. The Level 2 Award for Catering in Health and Social Care has been developed jointly by the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) and Hospital Caterers Association (HCA), following more than two years of development. […]
Finalists announced for NACC Care Chef of the Year 2026
Twelve of the UK’s leading care catering professionals have secured places in the final of the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2026 competition following a series of closely contested regional heats. The annual competition, which celebrates excellence in care catering, saw chefs from across England compete in semi-finals held […]
The Importance of Reducing Food Waste in Care Homes
Sustainability and reducing food waste has become a defining priority for UK care homes, driven by rising energy costs, evolving regulatory expectations, and growing demand from residents and families for ethical, responsible services. In the catering function, one of the highest-impact areas in a care setting, sustainability is becoming a strategic pillar of modern care […]
CATERING MONTH: Navigating food safety regulations while innovating care catering
The UK’s care home sector faces a complex catering challenge: balancing strict regulatory compliance with the need to deliver engaging, nutritious, and enjoyable dining experiences. With new expectations around allergens, hygiene, and sustainability, catering teams must now combine precision and creativity in equal measure… Compliance: The Non-Negotiable Foundation Food safety and hygiene remain the backbone […]
How to Enhance Well-Being Through Mealtime Experience in Care Homes
Mealtimes in care homes are more than just moments of nourishment: they’re moments of connection. Creating positive mealtime experiences in care homes plays a vital role in supporting residents’ well-being, encouraging social interaction, and improving overall quality of life. As the sector evolves, many operators are rethinking catering not simply as a functional service, but […]
Finding the Best Food Suppliers for Care Homes: 5 Tips From Industry Professionals
Choosing the right food suppliers for care homes is about far more than securing a reliable source of meals. The right supplier can help improve resident wellbeing, meet complex dietary requirements, support regulatory compliance and enhance the overall dining experience, while also delivering value for money and operational efficiency. For senior care home managers, selecting […]
CATERING MONTH: Moving towards sustainable, nutrient-dense meals for residents, at the right cost
Catering solutions for the UK’s care homes have been evolving significantly since the pandemic, focusing on enhancing nutrition, personalisation, and operational efficiency. Senior care home management professionals are adopting innovative catering trends to improve resident satisfaction, meet dietary needs, and optimise costs. Here’s an overview of the biggest trends, covering usage scenarios, technology and cost […]