Jody Marshall, Group Hospitality Manager at Meallmore Limited and Deputy Chair of the National Association of Care Catering

For Jody Marshall, Group Hospitality Manager at Meallmore Limited, food sits at the very heart of great care. As he explains, ‘At Meallmore, we believe that great food is central to great care, and that means creating dishes that reflect every resident’s preferences, beliefs, and lifestyle.’

That inclusive philosophy shapes Meallmore’s approach to dining across all its homes. Vegetarian and vegan options are woven into daily and seasonal menus as a matter of course – ‘not an afterthought,’ as Jody puts it. Each home ensures that residents choosing a plant-based diet enjoy the same variety, balance, and creativity as any other diner. To support this, Meallmore’s chefs receive specialist training through the Meallmore Academy of Care Kitchen Excellence, where plant-based nutrition and menu design are key components.

Resident engagement is another defining feature of the Meallmore dining experience. Across its homes, residents take part in cookery demonstrations, themed food days, and tasting sessions, sharing their ideas and feedback to help shape future menus. Jody explains that this hands-on approach ensures that ‘plant-based dining isn’t just catered for – it’s celebrated.’

Innovation and imagination are central to the team’s success. Meallmore chefs take pride in reimagining classic comfort dishes in plant-based form, creating familiar meals that everyone can enjoy together. The response from residents, Jody says, has been overwhelmingly positive: ‘The feedback from residents who tell us these meals make them feel seen, included, and valued means everything to us.’

He adds, ‘It’s all part of our commitment to ensuring that food in our homes doesn’t just nourish – it connects, comforts, and brings joy.’