The National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) is teaming up with Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) to inspire care homes across the UK and Ireland to get involved in its ‘new for 2015’ Fine Dining Experience Challenge.
The new challenge launches this year as part of the annual NAPA awards. By creating unique and memorable dining experiences, care homes have a chance of winning cash prizes plus lots of other goodies, including a masterclass with Michelin-starred chef Mark Sargeant.
Sylvie Silver, director at NAPA, said: “The Fine Dining Experience is an opportunity for care settings to showcase their culinary expertise to both residents and some community guests. It gives chefs the chance to do something really special with the food that’s being prepared.
“Everyone can get involved, from the gardener growing the peas that are going on the table, to the activity coordinators organising the event, to people from the local community, who wouldn’t normally visit the home. It’s all about giving the residents a real sense of occasion, something special to do, something to look forward to.”
There are six elements and homes can either enter one or all of them:
- Grow your own – For gardeners growing the food served at the table
- Setting the scene – The décor used to create a wonderful setting
- The chef’s masterpiece – The menu and its appeal to residents
- Community connections – Getting the local community involved in the event
- The whole home approach – Using the talents of everyone on the staff team
- The overall fine dining challenge – A combination of all of the above
To enter, homes need to host an event between 13-20 July 2015. Each category has a cash prize of £150, as well as a bigger prize of £300 for homes that take part in the whole challenge.
To request an entry pack and to get advice on holding your event click here
Working with NAPA, Unilever Food Solutions has created activity packs and supporting materials to help care homes to plan and run their Fine Dining Experience.