Care homes, hospitals and catering teams across the UK are being encouraged to nominate the individuals and organisations making a positive difference to older vegans and vegetarians (together ‘veg*ns’). Vegetarian for Life (VfL), the UK charity supporting older veg*ns has officially opened nominations for its 2026 Awards for Excellence in Veg*n Care Catering.
This year marks the awards’ 10th anniversary, celebrating those who are helping to raise standards in vegan and vegetarian care catering across the UK.
The awards recognise excellence across five categories, including outstanding care and hospital caterers, suppliers, innovative recipes, chefs’ hero products and a special recognition award for individuals who have gone above and beyond to support older vegans and vegetarians in care.
Winners will be announced at a prestigious event at the Houses of Parliament on 4 November 2026.
Amanda Woodvine, Chief Executive of Vegetarian for Life, said: "Every older person deserves to have their dietary beliefs and choices respected. These awards celebrate the dedicated people and organisations who are making that happen every day through creativity, compassion and outstanding catering."
VfL Patron Wendy Turner Webster, TV presenter, producer and author, added: “Respecting someone’s dietary choices is an important part of compassionate care. We hope these awards shine a light on the many dedicated people who go the extra mile for older vegans and vegetarians in care settings.”
The categories for this year’s awards are:
Vegan/Vegetarian Care/Hospital Caterer of the Year - sponsored by Greetwell Purchasing Solutions
This award recognises a care or hospital caterer making a wide range of delicious and nutritious meals for older vegans and vegetarians in a care setting. Open to individuals and teams.
Vegan/Vegetarian Supplier of the Year – sponsored by Procurement for Care
This award recognises a supplier offering either a strong range of vegan and vegetarian products or a single innovative product that delivers on taste and variety. Products may be standalone or used as a key ingredient in recipes and must be specifically available to care and hospital caterers.
Chefs’ Hero Product – sponsored by The Tofoo Co.
Chefs are invited to nominate their favourite go-to hero product when developing menus and recipes for vegans and vegetarians in care homes and hospitals.
Most Innovative Vegan/Vegetarian Recipe – sponsored by Greencity Wholefoods
This award celebrates a recipe that can be used within a care or hospital setting or simply cooked at home, recognising great taste, value and innovative use of ingredients.
(Submitted recipes will be shared with VfL members and stakeholders and featured on all media platforms.)
The Beulah Charity Trust Special Recognition Award – sponsored by Brakes
This is for that special someone who strives to make the UK a better place for older vegans and vegetarians. This could be a volunteer, a resident, a staff member or anyone pursuing this objective.
Nominations close at 12 noon on Friday 21 August 2026.
