It makes obvious sense that when all the medical experts say plant-based food is healing, to offer more choices on the NHS, whether that’s a stay in hospital, or for patients in residential and nursing homes.
The Devil’s Kitchen is a plant-based food caterer that can offer wholesome meals in sustainable packaging to hospitals, schools and caterers nationwide. Everything is free from soy and the major allergens, with no palm oil. Patients can download template letters before hospital stays, to explain their dietary needs.
In the US, a Californian hospital (and all New York hospitals) now offer vegan food by default, with most patients opting for it, even if they are not vegan or vegetarian.
The recipes are also free from gluten and the top 9 allergens, and it also saves money, on not having to provide different meals for everyone. Many African-Americans are also lactose-intolerant, so this also alleviates this issue at source.
If you are a vegan not receiving good food, you can contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) run by your local NHS.
Professor Tim Spector has called on the government recently to make plant-based food standard in UK hospitals, as there is more than enough proof that it could speed healing. This is not just vegan zealot mission, rather a proven way to save the NHS around £74 million a year, which could be used for other needed projects.
Plants First Healthcare is working to encourage vegan food to be the default food in healthcare settings. This organisation is run by a team of NHS professionals.
Free Meal Plans for Nursing Homes
Vegetarian for Life is a charity specifically created to help serve vegans and vegetarians in care homes, hospitals or independent living facilities. Often those preparing meals don’t know how to make veggie options, and it’s also obviously important to ensure that guests or patients receive the right nutrients too with their meals.
Before cooking, read up on food safety for people & pets (important for residential/nursing homes with resident or visiting pets). Dog-walking charity The Cinnamon Trust holds a list of pet-friendly care homes.
The meal planners offer easy meals that most people will enjoy eating. Examples include:
- Baked potato, baked beans, date & orange salad, fresh fruit
- Lentil & spinach quiche, chips, mixed salad, stewed apple & raisins
- Tomato & basil soup, vegan lemon meringue pie
- Veggie roast, potatoes, jam sponge & custard
- Cottage pie, cabbage, yoghurt & mixed berries
- Chickpea croquettes, chips, salad, rice pudding
- Macaroni soup, bread, banana split
- Vegan ham & salad sandwiches, Victoria sponge
- Pasta bolognese, sweetcorn & beetroot salad, ginger cake
- Cauliflower cheeze, baked potato, peas, apricot blueberry crumble
- Vegan cheese & tomato sandwich, cherry cake
You can also download a free 32-page catering guide and a guide to textured foods, for vegans and vegetarians who are no longer able to eat solid food. Plus grants to help vegans live independently.
