The current title holder, Oliver Smith, head chef at Wetherby Manor care home, declared the competition open last week at Food Matters Live, where he demonstrated to visitors what it takes to achieve excellence in care catering.
Neel Radia, national chair, NACC, said: “At long last awareness of the importance of catering in the care sector is growing. Our population is steadily ageing and the demand on the care catering sector is increasing.
“Catering for the elderly and vulnerable comes with specific challenges, such as the risk of malnutrition and the impact of reduced appetites and eating difficulties caused by conditions such as dementia and dysphagia, so chefs and cooks really must be on top of their game.
“Care caterers across the UK do a phenomenal job ensuring the meals they produce for those in their care provide the correct nutrition and meet all necessary standards and regulations, as well as being appetising and flavoursome.
“The NACC Care Cook of the Year competition enables us to champion these unsung heroes. It’s a fantastic platform to show the industry and the nation the incredible talent and creativity of care caterers and the fantastic job they are doing on a daily basis.
“Every year the calibre of entries blows us away and I can’t wait to see what 2016 produces.
“I urge all our colleagues in the care sector to put forward their talented chefs and cooks and give them, and our sector, the recognition they deserve.”
Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Cooks and Premier Foods, the NACC Care Cook of the Year competition champions the care catering sector and the specific skills, culinary and nutritional knowledge and creativity of those operating within it.
Chefs and cooks from across the sector – residential homes, local authorities and other care organisations, including community services such as meals on wheels, day centres and luncheon clubs – are encouraged to enter.
Entries are now being taken with the deadline of February 5th 2015. To download an entry form visit: http://www.thenacc.co.uk/events/care_cook_year