CATERING MONTH: Reducing food waste and carbon footprint in care catering
Sustainability 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 delivery. Catering teams are […]
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 […]
CATERING MONTH: The Hidden Value of Mealtimes – Using food service to improve wellbeing and social connection
Mealtimes in care homes are more than just moments of nourishment: they’re moments of connection. As the sector evolves, many operators are rethinking catering not simply as a functional service, but as a cornerstone of resident wellbeing. Beyond nutrition, food service plays a vital role in supporting mental health, social interaction, and overall quality of […]
CATERING MONTH: How to order off menu when selecting the best suppliers
Catering in care homes is about more than providing meals – it’s about promoting resident wellbeing, meeting diverse dietary needs, and supporting sustainability. For senior care home management professionals, sourcing the right catering partners and solutions is crucial for achieving these objectives while maintaining operational efficiency. Here’s how to approach this task effectively, based on […]
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 […]
Human-led service still preferred despite rise of tech in care home environments
Although technology is seen as a potential enhancement to care, an the overwhelming majority of respondents prioritise human-led interactions in care environments, according to new research. A survey conducted by Caterplus obtained insight into the attitudes and preferences of 3,000 respondents, aged between 45 and 75, who may or may not already be living in care home and retirement […]
Enhancing Food Safety Standards in Care Homes: A real-life example of success
By Navitas Safety In care homes, maintaining the highest level of food safety is critical for the health and well-being of residents. With stringent regulations from the Food Safety Act 1990 and oversight from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and local authorities, care homes must stay proactive to avoid food safety violations, which can lead […]
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Ensure seamless catering operations with PKL and Rental+
Founded in 1977 in Northern Ireland, Lowe Corporation have grown to become a global leader in the provision of sustainable rental services. With a dedicated team of c. 450 employees worldwide, the company operates through 3 divisions and from 12 strategic distribution centres around the globe. PKL and Rental+—two leading brands within Lowe Corporation—offer comprehensive solutions […]
CATERING MONTH: In-house provision vs third-party suppliers
Catering in care homes is a critical aspect of providing quality care, encompassing not just the nutritional needs of residents but also their overall wellbeing and quality of life. Care homes have two primary options for managing their catering requirements: in-house provision and outsourcing to third-party suppliers. Here we look at the advantages and challenges […]
Care England eyes catering cost cuts for care homes
Care England says it has worked extensively to establish over 20 ways for care providers to reduce, control or mitigate recent high-level inflation allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality person-centred care, through free audits, discounts and financial incentives. It says the energy crisis, cost of living pressure, and local authority fee uplifts that don’t […]