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Tour de FoodCycle

  • March 14, 2022

This September, FoodCycle Bristol Hub Leaders Alice, Cat and Hattie will be cycling from London to Paris and back (over 300 miles!) to raise money for FoodCycle.

The Challenge

As well as taking on this incredible challenge to raise valuable funds for FoodCycle’s projects, the trio aim to increase awareness about food waste along the way, showing how individual efforts to reduce waste can really make a difference.

To do this, the team will be taking their trusty bicycle trailers with them from FoodCycle Bristol in order to collect, distribute and cook surplus food along the way. To connect communities and raise awareness of food waste, they’ll be meeting up with people who are feeding bellies not bins in London, Brighton, Paris and Portsmouth – gleaning ideas and sharing stories, tips and experiences.

Le Tour de FoodCycle: The Plan

Alice, Cat and Hattie will begin their trip in South London on Saturday 5th September, where they will be putting on a pop up lunch with Brixton People’s Kitchen, and then volunteering with FoodCycle Peckham to help cook and serve a healthy three course dinner from surplus food for the community there.

The following day they will jump on their bicycles, attach the trailers and head down south for the annual London to Brighton bike ride. They’ll bring alongsome of the surplus surplus’ food collected with FoodCycle Peckham and Brixton People’s in the trailers, meaning that, when they get to Brighton, they’ll be able to redistribute whatever went uncooked the day before. To do this, they’ll be meeting with the Brighton Food Waste Collective, who will help them redistribute what they’ve brought from London to local charities around the city.

If that wasn’t enough, they’ll then hop on the ferry to Dieppe and head down to Paris, covering a further 130 miles! They plan to link up with the FSE Network and volunteer with various local food waste groups, redistributing surplus and raising awareness.

Then they’ll turn around and come all the way back again, finishing up with a big pop-up restaurant in Portsmouth with FoodCycle Pompey – all cooked by FoodCycle volunteers using reclaimed surplus food.

We caught up with the three intrepid cyclists to hear more about their challenge. Here’s what they had to say about their project back in Bristol, why they’re fundraising and what’s motivated them to get involved!

Why FoodCycle?

“FoodCycle is a charity with a simple yet incredibly powerful model that combines surplus food, volunteers and spare kitchen spaces, to tackle food waste, food poverty and social isolation.

“Along with the rest of the FoodCycle Bristol team and the many wonderful volunteers, we put on a three-course meal every week at Barton Hill Settlement. We’re also constantly spreading the FoodCycle message through education and outreach work in communities across the city of Bristol.

“We’re particularly excited for this challenge, as it’ll effectively link up three of FoodCycle’s projects – Bristol, Peckham and Portsmouth – as well as spreading the message of food waste far and wide, across the country and over the Channel.”

Why Paris?

  1. A new piece of legislation has recently been passed in France requiring supermarkets to donate surplus food to charities for redistribution. We want to see how they do things in France, and meet some of the organisations that redistribute surplus food in Paris – what do they think of the new legislation, and what impacts will it have on their organisations?
  2. In December 2015, Paris will host COP 21, ‘the Paris Climate Talks’. COP21 is a crucial conference, as it needs to achieve a new international agreement on the climate.  We want to demonstrate that the road to and from Paris is a sustainable one, full of community initiatives, innovative low carbon solutions. We want to encourage and inspire environmental action.
  3. Paris is pretty lovely, and cycling through the French countryside is definitely the best way to get there!

Why do we need your help?

We need your help because 15 million tonnes of food is thrown away in the UK every year, yet over 4 million people are affected by food poverty in the UK. We need your help to continue FoodCycle’s fantastic work, and help to improve and grow the FoodCycle network.

We need your help because individuals really can make a difference when they join together. That’s exactly why we’re doing what we’re doing – to reconnect communities and show people just what they can do to make a difference.

Please dig deep and show your support for these wonderful Hub Leaders as they embark upon this amazing challenge to raise awareness of food waste and food poverty across the UK and beyond – from Peckham to Portsmouth to Paris!

Want to get involved?

If you’d like to help out these fantastic fundraisers, there are lots of ways to get stuck in.

To donate, please visit their fundraising page. Every little helps!

You can join them at the Portsmouth Pop-Up restaurant for an evening of delicious food, live music, street art and activities by purchasing tickets here.

Or to help out at the pop-up, email Hattie and the team here.

If you’d like to meet up along the way to learn more about food waste, saving surplus or redistributing food, send an email to FoodCycle Bristol and they’ll get back to you asap.

Make sure you follow their progress on social media – they’ll be posting on Twitter from the account @foodcyclebriz and on their Facebook page as well!

By retweeting or sharing their story, you can help them raise awareness of their fantastic challenge and fight food waste, food poverty & social isolation in communities across the UK and on the way to Paris!

You can also hear the team on BBC Radio Bristol, where they spoke to John Darvall on Wednesday 26th August – 2hrs 12 mins into this recording.

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We`re thrilled to have been chosen as one of 12 charities to benefit from grant funding in 2025 from The Health Lottery.

This support will help us continue to improve the health and well-being of communities across the country by providing free, nutritious meals and welcoming spaces for connection and conversation.

A huge thank you to The Health Lottery for recognising the impact of our work and helping us reach even more people who need support.

We’re excited about what this funding will make possible, from expanding our reach to deepening the support we offer to our guests.

Read about all 12 charities at https://www.thehealthlotteryfoundation.org.uk/funding-information/200k-of-support-to-12-charities-to-improve-health-wellbeing/

#TheHealthLottery #FoodCycle #Charities #CharityGiving #CharitableFoundation #CommunityMeal #FreeMeals

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We're thrilled to have been chosen as one of 12 charities to benefit from grant funding in 2025 from The Health Lottery.

This support will help us continue to improve the health and well-being of communities across the country by providing free, nutritious meals and welcoming spaces for connection and conversation.

A huge thank you to The Health Lottery for recognising the impact of our work and helping us reach even more people who need support.

We’re excited about what this funding will make possible, from expanding our reach to deepening the support we offer to our guests.

Read about all 12 charities at https://www.thehealthlotteryfoundation.org.uk/funding-information/200k-of-support-to-12-charities-to-improve-health-wellbeing/

#TheHealthLottery #FoodCycle #Charities #CharityGiving #CharitableFoundation #CommunityMeal #FreeMeals

"FoodCycle is a boost to my mental health.”

Every week, FoodCycle guests find more than food at our meals. They find company, kindness and a sense of belonging.

💬 “I go days without talking to anyone. Coming here lifts me.”
💬 “It’s changed my outlook and given me a reason to leave the house.”
💬 “I feel nourished and mentally refreshed.”

Community isn’t just important – it’s essential.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s keep showing up for each other.

#MHAW #FoodCycle #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity

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"FoodCycle is a boost to my mental health.” 

Every week, FoodCycle guests find more than food at our meals. They find company, kindness and a sense of belonging.

💬 “I go days without talking to anyone. Coming here lifts me.”
💬 “It’s changed my outlook and given me a reason to leave the house.”
💬 “I feel nourished and mentally refreshed.”

Community isn’t just important – it’s essential.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s keep showing up for each other.

#MHAW #FoodCycle #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #ThisIsMyCommunity

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is community 💚

At FoodCycle, we believe that sitting down to share a meal with others can do wonders for our wellbeing.

Here’s what our guests told us:
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 83% feel happier after attending
👋 78% feel less lonely
🌍 91% have met people from different backgrounds
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A warm meal, a friendly face, and a regular routine might sound simple, but they really do make a difference.

#MHAW #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #FoodCycle #ThisIsMyCommunity @MHFAEngland

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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme is community 💚

At FoodCycle, we believe that sitting down to share a meal with others can do wonders for our wellbeing.

Here’s what our guests told us:
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 83% feel happier after attending
👋 78% feel less lonely
🌍 91% have met people from different backgrounds
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A warm meal, a friendly face, and a regular routine might sound simple, but they really do make a difference.

#MHAW #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #FoodCycle #ThisIsMyCommunity @MHFAEngland

We’re thrilled to announce our new charity partnership with @wagamama_uk

With a shared belief in the power of nourishing food and human connection, wagamama will be supporting FoodCycle through generous meal donations, chef collaborations at our community meals, skill-sharing sessions for volunteers, and so much more.

From cooking side by side with our teams to inviting our guests into their restaurants, this partnership is all about community, compassion and great food.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.

Read more on the partnership via the link in the bio

#wagamama #foodcycle #partnership #communitymeal

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We’re thrilled to announce our new charity partnership with @wagamama_uk

With a shared belief in the power of nourishing food and human connection, wagamama will be supporting FoodCycle through generous meal donations, chef collaborations at our community meals, skill-sharing sessions for volunteers, and so much more.

From cooking side by side with our teams to inviting our guests into their restaurants, this partnership is all about community, compassion and great food.

We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.

Read more on the partnership via the link in the bio

#wagamama #foodcycle #partnership #communitymeal

This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at Eden Communities to celebrate food, friendship and FUN – and we want you in on it!

Whether it’s a garden picnic, a street party, or a tea and cake kind of vibe, The Big Lunch is your chance to bring people together and raise funds for FoodCycle while you’re at it 💚

👯‍♀️ Host with your housemates
🌞 Picnic in the park with pals
🏡 Invite the neighbours round
🍰 Or bring the party to your workplace

However you do it, you`re helping us fight food waste, tackle loneliness and serve up more delicious community meals across the UK.

📦 Grab your free Big Lunch Pack and get planning – link in bio!

@edencommunities

#TheBigLunch #foodcycle #community #communitymeal

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This June, we’re teaming up with our friends at Eden Communities to celebrate food, friendship and FUN – and we want you in on it!

Whether it’s a garden picnic, a street party, or a tea and cake kind of vibe, The Big Lunch is your chance to bring people together and raise funds for FoodCycle while you’re at it 💚

👯‍♀️ Host with your housemates
🌞 Picnic in the park with pals
🏡 Invite the neighbours round
🍰 Or bring the party to your workplace

However you do it, you're helping us fight food waste, tackle loneliness and serve up more delicious community meals across the UK.

📦 Grab your free Big Lunch Pack and get planning – link in bio!

@edencommunities

#TheBigLunch #foodcycle #community #communitymeal

🎉 A huge well done to FoodCycle Hartlepool for their very first themed night! 🎉

The evening was a fantastic success, thanks to the amazing effort of the Hartlepool volunteers who went above and beyond to make it extra special. Decorations, table snacks, and thoughtful touches helped create a brilliant atmosphere for their guests. 💛

A big thank you to their regular volunteer from Quorn for the fantastic donation of Quorn burgers, which were a real hit. 🍔

And a huge shout out to Morrisons Hartlepool for their incredible support. Their donations of cookies and dips made the meal even more memorable and will continue to help with future meals too. 🍪✨

It is wonderful to see the Hartlepool team showing the power of community spirit through food and friendship.

Don`t forget to tag us in all your posts, we love to see what our projects are creating for their communities.

#hartlepool #foodcycle #morrisons #quorn

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🎉 A huge well done to FoodCycle Hartlepool for their very first themed night! 🎉

The evening was a fantastic success, thanks to the amazing effort of the Hartlepool volunteers who went above and beyond to make it extra special. Decorations, table snacks, and thoughtful touches helped create a brilliant atmosphere for their guests. 💛

A big thank you to their regular volunteer from Quorn for the fantastic donation of Quorn burgers, which were a real hit. 🍔

And a huge shout out to Morrisons Hartlepool for their incredible support. Their donations of cookies and dips made the meal even more memorable and will continue to help with future meals too. 🍪✨

It is wonderful to see the Hartlepool team showing the power of community spirit through food and friendship. 

Don't forget to tag us in all your posts, we love to see what our projects are creating for their communities.

#hartlepool #foodcycle #morrisons #quorn

Help us make a difference!

We would love it if you could nominate FoodCycle for a Movement for Good Health and Wellbeing Award. It only takes a minute and could help us support even more communities with free, nutritious meals.

Nominations close on 4th May – nominate us here: https://health.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1134423&ct=health#nominateACharity

Thank you for your support! 💚

@benefactgroup #Healthandwellbeing #foodcycle #community #socialgood #movementforgood

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Help us make a difference!

We would love it if you could nominate FoodCycle for a Movement for Good Health and Wellbeing Award. It only takes a minute and could help us support even more communities with free, nutritious meals.

Nominations close on 4th May – nominate us here: https://health.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1134423&ct=health#nominateACharity

Thank you for your support! 💚

@benefactgroup #Healthandwellbeing #foodcycle #community #socialgood #movementforgood

We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one of 20 charities supported by Overbury’s 2025 Charity Quiz.

Held at Westminster Park Plaza in February, the event brought together 100 teams from across the construction industry, raising an incredible £500,000 for charity through an evening of quiz rounds, connection and generosity.

A huge thank you to Overbury and all the event sponsors for their fantastic support.

And a special shout out to Rebecca Bradshaw, Overbury staff member and dedicated FoodCycle volunteer, for nominating us – we’re so grateful.

@overburyplc

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We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one of 20 charities supported by Overbury’s 2025 Charity Quiz.

Held at Westminster Park Plaza in February, the event brought together 100 teams from across the construction industry, raising an incredible £500,000 for charity through an evening of quiz rounds, connection and generosity.

A huge thank you to Overbury and all the event sponsors for their fantastic support.

And a special shout out to Rebecca Bradshaw, Overbury staff member and dedicated FoodCycle volunteer, for nominating us – we’re so grateful.

@overburyplc

Less than 24 hours to double your impact.

There’s still time to donate through the Big Give Green Match Fund and have your gift matched pound for pound.

We have just over £800 left to raise to unlock all of our match funding. Every donation will be matched while funds are available – meaning double the meals and double the impact for the people we support.

Many of our guests are struggling with the cost of living, with 75% finding it difficult to afford food or pay for their housing. Your support can make a real difference.

💚 76% of our guests report eating more fruit and vegetables
💚 83% feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal
💚 78% feel less lonely

By donating today, you`re helping us do more than just provide food. You are helping us build community, improve wellbeing, and save good food from going to waste.

Donate now and help us reach our target.
Head to the link in the bio!

@biggiveorg #greenprojects #greenmatchfund #foodcycle #fightfoodwaste

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Less than 24 hours to double your impact.

There’s still time to donate through the Big Give Green Match Fund and have your gift matched pound for pound.

We have just over £800 left to raise to unlock all of our match funding. Every donation will be matched while funds are available – meaning double the meals and double the impact for the people we support.

Many of our guests are struggling with the cost of living, with 75% finding it difficult to afford food or pay for their housing. Your support can make a real difference.

💚 76% of our guests report eating more fruit and vegetables
💚 83% feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal
💚 78% feel less lonely

By donating today, you're helping us do more than just provide food. You are helping us build community, improve wellbeing, and save good food from going to waste.

Donate now and help us reach our target.
Head to the link in the bio! 

@biggiveorg #greenprojects #greenmatchfund #foodcycle #fightfoodwaste

🌍💚 It’s a BIG week… The Big Give Green Match Fund is here! 💚🌍⁠
⁠
From today until 29th April, every donation to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be DOUBLED, helping us grow our environmental impact through community dining.⁠
⁠
By turning surplus food into hot, healthy meals, we’re:⁠
♻️ Tackling food waste⁠
🌱 Cutting carbon emissions⁠
🍽️ Feeding communities in need⁠
⁠
In 2024, we saved 320 tonnes of food from waste, stopping 200,000kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Imagine what we can do with YOUR help, doubled.⁠
⁠
Donate today and be part of something greener, kinder and more connected.⁠
⁠
Link in bio to give.⁠
⁠
#donate #causes #giveback #socialgood #environment #biggive #thebiggive #foodcycle

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🌍💚 It’s a BIG week… The Big Give Green Match Fund is here! 💚🌍⁠
⁠
From today until 29th April, every donation to FoodCycle through The Big Give will be DOUBLED, helping us grow our environmental impact through community dining.⁠
⁠
By turning surplus food into hot, healthy meals, we’re:⁠
♻️ Tackling food waste⁠
🌱 Cutting carbon emissions⁠
🍽️ Feeding communities in need⁠
⁠
In 2024, we saved 320 tonnes of food from waste, stopping 200,000kg of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Imagine what we can do with YOUR help, doubled.⁠
⁠
Donate today and be part of something greener, kinder and more connected.⁠
⁠
Link in bio to give.⁠
⁠
#donate #causes #giveback #socialgood #environment #biggive #thebiggive #foodcycle
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    New Covent Garden Market
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  • t: 020 7729 2775
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FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: [email protected]

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Cookie Policy

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© FoodCycle 2022

Registered charity No. 1134423
Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349

Website by me&you