Pedals with Purpose; Chestnut Cycle Safari returns for 2025

The Chestnut Group’s annual fundraiser, Chestnut Cycle Safari, is back for its third year—bigger, better, and ready to make a real difference! This pedal-powered mission is raising much needed funds for food banks across the East of England, supporting those facing food insecurity. According to The Food Foundation’s recent Broken Plate report, 1 in 5 people in the UK living below the poverty line and a staggering 3.1 million emergency food parcels distributed by the Trussell Trust last year, the need for support has never been greater. In Norfolk alone, 1 in 4 children are living in poverty, and food bank use has soared

by 54% in the past five years.

This year, the initiative is rallying behind The Giving Tree, with an ambitious target of £30,000 to fund emergency food parcels, warehouse space, staffing, and delivery costs. And it’s not just about raising funds, The Chestnut Groups pubs and Big Houses will double as collection points for non-perishable food donations from 1st April to 2nd May.

To bring the fundraising spirit to life, Chestnut’s team members will hop on their bikes throughout April, with charity partner Edmondson Hall Solicitors pledging 50p for every mile covered. Then, from 29th April to 2nd May, the main event kicks off: a core team will take on a grueling 520km ride, visiting 10 food banks in just four days, all while raising awareness and much needed donations.

This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Pilgrims Foodservices, Stenball Construction / Group Ltd, and C.J. Butchers, whose support is helping to drive this vital initiative forward.