Sunrise Of Eastbourne Celebrates First Prize In National Competition Recognising Excellence In Nutrition

The team at Sunrise of Eastbourne are celebrating after winning a national competition to find the best care home dining experience in the UK, which had a first prize of £5,000.
The Care Dine with Me contest saw care homes from across the country host expert judges who were tasked with identifying the home with the best ‘whole food, whole care’ approach.
Sunrise of Eastbourne impressed the judging panel with its very high quality food; beautifully presented alternatives for dysphagia diets; plentiful events and outings involving food and drink, and food-related activities on the Reminiscence area for those living with dementia.
Team members at the community also demonstrated a real understanding of individual residents’ needs, as well as their likes and dislikes.  Judges also praised the very warm and genuine relationship between the kitchen team – led by Dining Services Coordinator Dean Haffenden – and the residents; and the ways in which nutritional values and their impact on health and wellbeing are regularly promoted to residents and relatives.
The competition was held by Care Home Catering magazine, dairy supplier Kerrymaid and food service provider Bidvest.

Dean Haffenden said:
“We’re delighted to have won first prize in this prestigious competition.  It’s testament to the hard work of everyone at the community, and we’re currently thinking what we can spend the prize money on to celebrate with residents and team members.

Fiona White, General Manager at Sunrise of Eastbourne, said:
“Food and the wider dining experience are a big part of our offering here at Sunrise of Eastbourne.  Our dining team work so hard to ensure every mealtime is enjoyable for residents and they enjoy tasty, nutritious food, whatever their needs but it really is a whole home approach with dining and care working seamlessly together to deliver such high standards.”