With the country preparing for the official crowning of King Charles III this year, Bidfood has been focusing on further supporting the care industry by hosting a coronation party for the residents of Tunstall Hall.
Like Tunstall Hall, many UK care homes have had to operate with tight budgets, rising food costs and understaffed kitchens. The challenge increases when taking into consideration the varied dietary requirements of each resident, suffering from various medical conditions such as diabetes and dysphagia.
In the lead up to launching their latest care home guide, – ‘A Feast Fit for a King’, Bidfood’s Culinary Development Chefs brought the guide’s Coronation-themed recipes to life with a menu that is fit for all. The regal spread of 12 dishes and four royal-themed tipples, allowed residents with difficulties swallowing, severe allergies, or a need to watch their blood sugar, to be well catered for.
In addition to this, the menu was developed with low-skilled but high impact, flavourful dishes, making it easier for those understaffed and low-skilled kitchens to produce regular meals for their residents.
Taking inspiration from some of King Charles’ favourite dishes, the menu included cheesy baked eggs, zesty cream of lemon and the king of puddings, a warm apple and blackberry upside down cake.
Bidfood customers can discover another layer of support through their free e-learning platform, Caterers Campus. Designed by Bidfood’s chefs, for chefs, the online school equips care home caterers with the key skills they need to prepare the right offering for residents with modules on dysphagia, fortification, dementia and more.
Commenting on the coronation party, Wayne Wright, Healthcare Culinary Development Chef at Bidfood said: “This is a crowning moment in British history and it brings the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together and celebrate, especially as the care sector has to navigate under cost and staffing pressures.
“We hope that our latest guide, coming out in early April, will evoke that feeling of celebration in residents and relieve some of the weight that care home caterers are currently under.
Mealtimes are so important to a resident’s daily routine because it creates a sense of normalcy, as well as contributes to their wellbeing. It’s crucial that care home caterers get their offering right with delicious and cost-effective meals, by taking advantage of the amazing tools we have available so they can cater with confidence.”
For more guidance, inspiration, and support on catering for the care sector please visit: https://www.bidfood.co.uk/care-homes/