Why it works
For many older people, fish and chips brings back memories: seaside holidays, Friday nights, a treat after work. A van in the car park or garden turns a meal into an occasion. Residents can watch from a window or come outside to the hatch, families can join in, and staff get a break from the usual routine.
Who to involve
The activities team, the kitchen or catering manager and the care team should all be involved. The care team knows each resident’s needs, and the kitchen knows their diets. Agree the plan together before you book.
Residents’ diets
Some residents will need smaller portions, softer food or food cut up. Some will be on texture-modified diets for swallowing difficulties, often described using the IDDSI framework. Battered fish and chips is unlikely to be suitable for many texture-modified levels, so those residents’ meals should be prepared or advised on by the home’s own kitchen and care team, following each person’s care plan. That way, everyone can still share the occasion safely.
Tell the caterer about allergies in writing. Fish and gluten (in standard batter) are both major allergens.
Portion sizes
Full chip-shop portions are too big for many residents. Ask your caterer about smaller portions, and think about serving on plates with cutlery rather than paper, so residents can eat at the table.
Timings
Care homes run to routines. Choose a time that fits mealtimes and medication rounds, usually lunch or early evening. Tell the caterer when food needs to be ready and how it will reach residents who can’t come outside.
Getting food to residents
- Residents who can, come to the hatch with staff or family
- Staff carry plates to the dining room for others
- Food for residents in their rooms goes on a covered tray, straight away
Making it an event
- Bunting, deckchairs and a seaside theme
- Old seaside photos or postcards to talk about
- Music from the 1950s and 60s
- Families invited, with numbers agreed in advance
- A regular date: monthly or seasonal visits give everyone something to look forward to
Where the van parks
The van needs a level, firm spot, such as the car park, a drive or a firm lawn, close to the entrance or garden. Keep it clear of ambulance access and emergency routes, and away from bedroom windows. Tell the caterer about access and parking.
A checklist for activity coordinators
- Agree the plan with the kitchen and care team
- List residents’ diets, allergies and portion needs
- Arrange texture-modified meals from your own kitchen
- Choose a time around meals and medication
- Agree numbers for residents, staff and families
- Choose a van spot clear of emergency access
- Plan how food reaches residents indoors
Who can join in
A fish and chip day works best when as many residents as possible can take part in some way. Some will come out to the van, some will watch from a window or the garden, and some will be in their rooms. Plan for all three. Staff and families can be included too, which makes it feel like a proper occasion rather than just another mealtime.
Food safety and timing
Fish and chips is best eaten straight away, so plan how quickly plates can reach residents indoors. Have staff ready to carry plates as soon as they’re served, with covers for food going to rooms. Keep the time between the hatch and the resident short. Your home’s own food safety procedures still apply, so involve your catering manager in the plan.
Talking about it before and after
Part of the pleasure is the anticipation. Put up a poster a week before, talk about it at residents’ meetings, and look at old seaside photos together. Afterwards, share photos with families (with the right consents) and ask residents what they enjoyed. If it goes well, plan the next one.
For day centres and lunch clubs
Day centres and lunch clubs can use a fish and chip van in the same way: a special lunch for members, perhaps tied to a seaside theme or a summer party. Check numbers in advance and think about transport, since members may arrive and leave at fixed times.
Families and visitors
Inviting families turns a meal into a family day. Ask families to confirm if they’re coming, so numbers are right, and think about where they’ll sit. Some homes ask families to pay for their own meals; others include them as a thank-you. Decide in advance and tell families clearly.
Residents living with dementia
For residents living with dementia, familiar sights, sounds and smells can be comforting. The smell of fish and chips, seaside music and old photographs can prompt memories and conversation. Keep the environment calm, avoid long waits and let staff who know residents well guide the pace.
Planning the next visit
After the day, ask staff and residents what worked and what didn’t. Was the timing right? Were portions the right size? Did food reach residents indoors quickly enough? Small changes make the next visit even better.
Weather and comfort
Older people feel the cold and the heat more. On a hot day, provide shade and water for residents sitting outside. On a cool day, have blankets ready, or serve indoors with residents watching the van from a window. Keep visits short for residents who tire easily.
Photos and consent
Photos of the day are lovely for families and for the home’s newsletter, but follow your home’s consent policy. Only share photos of residents who have agreed, or whose representatives have agreed, and be careful with social media. Ask families before the day whether they are happy for photos of their relative to be taken and shared, and keep a note of their answers.
Quick answers
Can you do smaller portions?
Ask your caterer; most can.
Can residents on soft diets join in?
Yes, with meals prepared or advised on by your own kitchen and care team.
Can families come?
Yes. Include them in your numbers.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.