Ambassadors for change

Our Roving Chef, Jane Hughes, presented VfL’s work to an influential women’s group.

Autumn was definitely in the air when the local Tangent Club met at The Limekiln, an award-winning café in Uppermill. The ladies had invited me to be their after-dinner speaker, so I took my PC and PowerPoint presentation, and lots of leaflets. The café only opens for pre-booked groups in the evening. Especially for us, they had added an ambitious vegan main course to their menu: tofu pieces coated in crispy coconut crumbs, on a bed of quinoa, rice and seaweed, elegantly dressed with pink grapefruit segments. The audience was very attentive as I explained the sense of loss that people entering care homes can feel when they are no longer able to cook for themselves, and the importance of trust between vegetarian care home residents and the people who prepare their meals. I described my work with care home cooks and also with groups of older people who are interested in trying vegetarian and vegan food.

I introduced the VfL UK List of homes that have signed up to our Code of Good Practice, drew special attention to our Dinners to your Door booklet, which highlights food delivery companies who understand the needs of vegetarians, and gave details about our grant-making activities. The ladies asked some interesting questions about the difference between vegetarianism and veganism, whether cutting out meat was good for your health, and whether my husband and family are vegetarian. Many had experience of cooking for vegetarian friends and relatives, and were pleased to receive some new recipe ideas. I felt this active group of senior ladies was very receptive to VfL’s message, and I’m sure they will share their new knowledge with many other people. Networking within the community is a really effective way to raise awareness of the support that is available for older vegetarians and their families.