Meals Mean More 2024

As we prepare to kick off the 2024 Meals Mean More competition, the excitement is palpable across all Meallmore homes. This prestigious event, set to take place at the City of Glasgow College on September 4th, has become a hallmark of culinary excellence within our organisation, showcasing the incredible talents of our chefs and their dedication to providing the best possible care through food.

This year, the competition promises to be more thrilling than ever, with five talented finalists ready to impress our esteemed panel of judges. These chefs have spent weeks perfecting their dishes, each one designed to push the boundaries of flavour, presentation, and nutritional value. So, without further ado, let's meet the finalists who have earned their spot in the final:

The Finalists

• Anna Kaziarska - Auchtercrag Care Home
• Dan McGonigle - Kincaid House Care Home
• Paul O'Brien - St Modans Care Home
• Eilidh Mason - Antonine House Care Home
• Robert Scott - Hilton Court Care Home

These chefs represent the heart and soul of Meallmore's culinary teams, each bringing their unique flair and creativity to the table. Their journey to the final has been marked by rigorous testing, innovation, and a deep commitment to enhancing the dining experience for our residents.

The Judges

The judging panel this year is composed of some of the most respected names in the culinary and care sectors:

Scott Scorer – Chief Judge

A culinary legend with over 25 years of experience. Trained at the prestigious Gleneagles Resort, Scott has earned numerous accolades, including the coveted "Executive Chef of the Year" award in 2016. His leadership at Ballathie Hotel contributed to its recognition as "Scottish Hotel of the Year" in 2014. Scott's reputation for excellence and his ability to inspire others make him the perfect fit to lead our judging panel.

Mary Preston – Meallmore Chief Operating Officer

With over 40 years of experience in health and social care, Mary is a cornerstone of Meallmore's operations. As the Chair of Scottish Care since 2019, Mary has unparalleled insight into the sector's needs, challenges and opportunities. Her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care is reflected in her approach to this competition, where she looks forward to seeing the creativity and quality of Meallmore's chefs on full display.

Eddie Easdon – Industry Supplier Judge

Eddie Easdon, Head of Sales at Campbells Prime Meat, brings over 40 years of culinary and industry expertise. His deep understanding of the food industry and his passion for quality ingredients make him an essential part of our judging panel. Eddie is particularly excited to reconnect with the Meallmore team and see how the chefs have transformed their ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Hazel O'Rourke – Quality Director

Hazel, a mental health nurse with over two decades of experience, has been Meallmore's quality director since 2015. Hazel is a recognised leader in dementia care and quality management, and her contributions to the sector have been acknowledged at various national conferences. Her keen eye for detail and passion for continuous improvement will be invaluable as she evaluates the chefs' creations.

Special Guest Resident Judge

This year, we're delighted to include a resident judge. This addition highlights our commitment to ensuring that the voices and preferences of our residents are central to everything we do, including our culinary endeavours.

The Competition Day

The Meals Mean More competition is more than just a showcase of culinary talent—it's a celebration of food's vital role in the care we provide. On September 4th, the City of Glasgow College will host this exciting event, bringing together chefs, judges, and guests for a day of culinary exploration and creativity.

This year, we're thrilled to have Lottie on board to livestream the event on YouTube. Coverage will include the live competition and exclusive interviews with the judges and participants, giving viewers an insider's look at the day's proceedings. After the event, these recordings will be combined into a comprehensive video that captures the essence of the competition and the passion of our chefs.

Finalists' Creations

Our finalists will present their dishes to the judges throughout the day, each plate carefully crafted to balance flavour, nutrition, and presentation. These dishes will be judged on several criteria, including innovation, adherence to dietary needs, and overall taste. The chefs have been encouraged to think creatively, using the freshest ingredients and incorporating elements that resonate with the Scottish culinary tradition.

Jody Marshall, Meallmore Group Hospitality Manager had this to say:

“At Meallmore, our commitment to excellence in hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. The Meals Mean More competition is a fantastic opportunity for our chefs to showcase their creativity and passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. I’m incredibly proud of the talent we have across our homes, and I look forward to seeing how our finalists push the boundaries of culinary innovation to create meals that not only nourish but bring joy to our residents.”

What Sets Meallmore Apart

At Meallmore, we're not just committed to providing excellent care—we strive to innovate and set new standards in every aspect of our work, including our culinary services. The Meals Mean More competition is a prime example of this dedication.

• Academy of Catering in Care Excellence: Meallmore's Academy of Catering in Care Excellence is at the forefront of our efforts to continually improve the quality of food and dining experiences in our homes. This academy provides ongoing training and development for our culinary teams, ensuring they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to deliver outstanding meals daily.
• Other Competitions and Events: The Meals Mean More competition is just one of several initiatives we've introduced to promote culinary excellence. We also host the Shots and Smoothies contest, the Meallmore Bake Off, and a quarterly "Come Dine with Me" event, each offering our chefs opportunities to showcase their skills and creativity.
• Resource Packs: To support our chefs and ensure consistency across all homes, we provide comprehensive resource packs for activities such as the Shots and Smoothies contest. These packs include everything our chefs need to participate fully in these competitions, from recipes to presentation tips.

The Impact of Meals Mean More

The Meals Mean More competition is more than just an annual event—it reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the dining experience for our residents. Food is a fundamental part of life, and at Meallmore, we believe it should be both nourishing and enjoyable. This competition encourages our chefs to push the boundaries of what's possible, experiment with new flavours and techniques, and consider the diverse dietary needs of our residents.

By fostering this spirit of innovation and excellence, we ensure that every meal served in our homes is a testament to the skill and dedication of our culinary teams. The competition also provides a platform for our chefs to receive recognition for their hard work and creativity, both from their peers and from industry leaders.

Looking Forward

As we approach the 2024 Meals Mean More competition, anticipation is building across all Meallmore homes. This year's event promises to showcase everything that makes our culinary teams exceptional: their creativity, commitment to quality, and deep understanding of the role that food plays in care.

We invite you to join us on September 4th for what promises to be a day of celebration, inspiration, and incredible food. You'll witness firsthand the passion and dedication that drive our chefs to create meals that truly mean more.

Stay tuned for updates as we count down to the competition day, and remember to follow us on social media for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and more. We're excited to see who will take home the top honours this year and even more excited to share this journey with you.