Supplying
1 North Lynn Business Village, Bergen Way, King’s Lynn, PE30 2JG
Tel: 01553 770 444
Email: sales@foodcaresystems.com
SUNSHINE, SERVICE & SECTOR NEWS
from Joe Wells
With the sun turning up the heat (and our ice machines working overtime), we’re here to serve something a little more refreshing: updates, inspiration, and a look at what’s been cooking across the care and hospitality world. Whether you’re dodging the heat with an iced latte or soaking up the rays, we hope this edition gives you a reason to pause and enjoy.
Inside, you’ll find stories of progress, purpose, and the occasional pastry. From supporting inclusive dining and care catering innovations to celebrating the success of long-time partners like BridgeStones, this issue is packed with people, products, and ideas that are making a real difference—with no sunblock required.
SUPPORTING PROGRESS IN CARE CATERING
Article by Sarah Palmer
We were delighted to sponsor the Care Home Catering Forum and Awards on 5th June at Farmers & Fletchers Hall, London. This focused one-day event brought together care catering professionals to explore the latest innovations and share insights on some of the most pressing issues facing the sector.
It was a valuable opportunity to connect with key individuals in the industry and discuss how we’re helping to make a positive difference in care catering.
We had a fantastic day and would also like to offer our congratulations to this year’s award winners.
CHC Award Winners
BEYOND THE PLATE
Article by Sarah Stone
On 21st May, I joined the Strategic Thinking Webinar: Beyond the Plate as a guest speaker, invited by Niamh Condon, founder of Dining with Dignity. A qualified chef with a background in hospitality and nine years’ experience in aged care, Niamh now trains chefs to support people with dysphagia.
I presented alongside Niamh, highlighting the Donna Senior range, which supports the IDDSI framework through clear colour coding. I also introduced adaptive drinking aids and cutlery
designed to encourage independence and a more enjoyable dining experience. These products support clearer communication for care teams and help reduce errors from kitchen to table.
With over 100 delegates attending, it was a valuable opportunity to share practical ways to support dignity and confidence in care catering. A big thank you to everyone who joined us on the day!
BRIDGESTONES OPENS RIVERSIDE GEM
Article by Sarah Palmer and Claire Racher
WE’RE DELIGHTED TO CELEBRATE THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF ONE OF OUR LONG-STANDING CUSTOMERS, BRIDGESTONES, WHO HAVE JUST OPENED A BEAUTIFUL SECOND SITE IN THORPE ST ANDREW.
Following a full refurbishment, the new café is now open daily from 9am to 5pm, serving up the same much-loved homemade cakes, freshly brewed coffees, hearty breakfasts and tasty lunches, along with a selection of snacks and alcoholic drinks — perfect for a relaxing riverside moment.
Situated on the River Yare, the setting offers picturesque views and peaceful waterside walks, just a couple of miles from the centre of Norwich.
It’s already proving popular with both locals and visitors alike.
This new site joins the original BridgeStones of Potter, a family-run, fully licensed café/bistro set on the Norfolk Broads, just yards from the iconic Potter Heigham Bridge. Known for its warm welcome and dog-friendly atmosphere, it’s been a popular stop for years, and now its sister café is bringing the same friendly service and quality food to Thorpe St Andrew.
BridgeStones have worked with Foodcare for several years, and we’re proud to have supported them throughout their growth. Owner James appreciates the close working relationship and the speedy ordering and delivery, which helps them stay on top of the fast-paced demands of hospitality.
We’ve supplied the majority of their front-of-house products, including GenWare Terra Porcelain crockery, glassware, cutlery and cake stands, helping to create a practical, well-presented setup that reflects the quality of the BridgeStones experience.
James and his team are always a pleasure to work with: friendly, down-to-earth and committed to delivering a great experience for their customers.
Congratulations to the whole BridgeStones team on this exciting new chapter. We look forward to seeing what’s next!
Visit their website: bridgestonesofpotter.co.uk
THE SWALLOWS RESTAURANT CARD: SUPPORTING
Article by Claire Racher
INCLUSIVE DINING
THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE SWALLOWS RESTAURANT CARD TOOK PLACE AT CHINCO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN POULTON, LANCASHIRE — THE FIRST VENUE TO GO LIVE WITH THE INITIATIVE.
More than 60 supporters, partners, and guests attended the event, which featured delicious food, engaging conversations, and a shared commitment to supporting those affected by head and neck cancer.
The launch marked the beginning of a nationwide campaign to bring more restaurants on board, raising awareness and vital funds, one meal at a time.
Dining out should be a simple pleasure. But for those living with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), it can often be a source of stress and discomfort. The Restaurant Card initiative aims to change that by helping people with dysphagia enjoy meals out with greater ease and dignity.
The Swallows’ vision is simple: to empower individuals with dysphagia to visit restaurants with confidence.
By carrying a discreet card that alerts staff to their needs, diners can communicate their condition without having to explain it in detail. In return, participating restaurants commit to doing their utmost to offer dysphagia-friendly options on the menu.
This initiative also supports restaurants by promoting participating venues nationally and internationally, completely free of charge.
Many people with dysphagia face daily challenges when eating out. Menu items may need modification, textures may be too dry, or portion sizes may feel overwhelming. In some cases, essential drinking water or dietary supplements aren’t readily available or even permitted. By raising awareness and offering practical solutions, the Restaurant Card initiative helps make dining experiences more inclusive.
How do eating establishments achieve Swallow Friendly status?
IDDSI is a global initiative aimed at improving the lives of over 590 million people living with dysphagia. To join the scheme, an eating establishment must meet all IDDSI requirements, ensuring the same standard of care for diners with swallowing difficulties as for any other guest.
• No cost to join
• No ongoing costs — participation doesn’t require offering customer discounts
• Free advertising at both national and international levels
• Featured on The Swallows website as a ‘Swallow Friendly’ establishment
• Listings are geographical, making it easy for visitors to find and book suitable venues
• Potential for increased bookings and broader community support
If you’d like to get involved or find out more, visit: www.theswallows.org.uk/support/services/ restaurant-card
Donna SeniortoExclusive Foodcare
ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE AT MEALTIMES
Article by Claire Racher
The Donna Senior range combines function and dignity. Created to support dementia, limited dexterity, and specific dietary needs, it also aligns with the IDDSI Framework Chart, helping ensure food textures and drink consistencies meet residents’ safety requirements.
Key features include:
• Coloured bands to stimulate appetite and maintain mealtime interest
• Raised edges to support easier food transfer
• Wider handles for a more secure, confident grip
• Heat-insulating elements for comfort and safety
• The Comfort Plate features a shaped base, helping food naturally gravitate towards the patient — reducing frustration and making it easier for those with limited dexterity to eat independently
By helping residents reach more of their food, the Donna Senior range supports greater independence and encourages increased nutritional intake — especially for those who may otherwise struggle or give up at mealtimes. Every detail is designed to make dining more comfortable, dignified, and enjoyable.
FOODS
DRINKS
For more information on the Donna Senior range, or for advice on how we can help improve your residents’ dining experience, please contact us today.
Sarah Palmer, Sales Director 07460 506 386
sarah.palmer@foodcaresystems.com
Sarah Stone, Sales Director 07897 741 569
sarah.stone@foodcaresystems.com
