'Exceptional' care caterers honoured at NACC 2020 awards

The National Association of Care Caterers (NACC) has recognised the ‘exceptional contribution' of care caterers in its 2020 awards.

This year's event was held virtually on 8 October, and recognised the work of teams and individuals over the "extraordinarily challenging" past year.

New for 2020 was the Triumph Over Adversity Award, which honoured the efforts of care caterers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The judges were unable to pick just one winner, and gave the award to two recipients.

Michael Buccu, sous chef at Gracewell of Ascot, sadly lost his wife - who was a trainee nurse and team member at the care home - to coronavirus at the start of the pandemic. Buccu returned to work to support the kitchen team and residents, and supported head chef Matt Dodds when he suffered health issues.

The non-profit Umbrella Cafe, CIC in Whitstable also received the award for its work delivering around 3,060 meals and 400 breakfast parcels to 165 regular beneficiaries in the community between March and September.

Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, said: "Care caterers have shown without a shadow of a doubt how innovative, dedicated, compassionate and selfless they are – and how fundamental they are to quality care.

"They've ensured residents who suddenly found themselves isolated from the outside world continue to receive nutritious meals and met the increased demand for meals delivery to the vulnerable older population in the community confined to their own homes.

"It goes without saying that everyone at the NACC is very, very proud of the care catering sector."

The 2020 NACC Award winners included:

Care Establishment of the Year Award, sponsored by Hobart: Pear Tree Court, Care UK

Meals on Wheels Award, sponsored by Apetito: Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS)

Catering Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Brakes: Meallmore

Catering Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions: Anne Dudley, catering support manager, Hampshire County Council

Our Care Catering Hero Award, sponsored by Premier Foods: Peter Hall, head of kitchen, Cranleigh Paddock Care Home

Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko: North Region

Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Robot-Coupe: James Clear, hotel services manager, Care UK

National Chair's Award: Neel Radia