On a crisp October afternoon, the Jubilee Room at the Houses of Parliament hosted this year’s VfL Awards for Excellence in Vegetarian Care Catering. Bringing together caterers, suppliers, sector professionals and advocates, the event celebrated the theme Beyond the Plate – a powerful reminder that food in care settings is about identity, dignity and belief, not just nutrition.
VfL Chief Executive Amanda Woodvine opened the ceremony with moving reflections on the progress made in vegan and vegetarian provision, while emphasising the work still to come. Real-life stories demonstrated how the right meal can uphold a person’s values – or erode them when choice is ignored.
Head of Research & Policy Moussa Haddad reinforced the importance of embedding philosophical and religious dietary rights within regulatory frameworks and person-centred care. Award sponsor Neil Duncan-Jordan MP shared a personal message of support, followed by vegan rights campaigner Jordi Casamitjana, whose passionate testimony connected deeply with the audience.
To lift the energy, VfL chef Justina Kesterton hosted a lively Veggie or Not Veggie? quiz, before chef Alex Connell guided a collaborative workshop exploring what excellence in plant-based care looks like in practice. Delegates discussed themes from menu planning to memory care, generating ideas and sharing challenges across tables.
Then came the highlight: the awards presentation.
Satpal Kambo of Garden City Court, Quantum Care, was named Vegan/Vegetarian Care/Hospital Caterer of the Year for transforming plant-based dining through resident-led menu development and imaginative dishes that have become weekly highlights.
The Chefs’ Hero Product Award went to Marigold Engevita Yeast Flakes, celebrated for their versatility and umami boost in everyday care catering.
Suma was honoured as Supplier of the Year, recognised for its extensive range of vegetarian and largely vegan products, ethical operations and sustainability leadership.
The Most Innovative Vegan/Vegetarian Recipe award was presented to Philip Meyer of Avery Healthcare, whose inventive but commercially viable butternut squash roll and vegan mousse wowed judges.
Finally, Maureen Behan of Little Sisters of the Poor received the Beulah Charity Trust Special Recognition Award for over 30 years of heartfelt service, consistently delivering meals that meet modern dietary needs without losing a homely touch.
Special guests Peter Egan, Heather Mills and Paul Higgins helped present and accept awards, recognising achievements across the sector and lending their support to the movement for compassionate catering in later life.
Attendees were challenged to move from asking “why vegetarian care catering?” to “how do we make excellence consistent?” The theme Beyond the Plate emerged not just as a celebration, but as a call to action.
Attendees left inspired to return to their care settings with renewed purpose: to ensure that plant-based meals don’t simply nourish, but also affirm identity, uphold choice and enhance wellbeing.
Congratulations to all finalists, winners and everyone driving positive change in care catering.
Thank you to our award sponsors:
Greetwell Purchasing Solutions, Procurement For Care, and ProSauce®.
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