A partnership between frozen food retailer Iceland and Olio – a food sharing app – has resulted in 2.5 million meals being redistributed to communities who needed it in 2024.
Working with Olio over the last two years and redistributing food that otherwise would be thrown away has helped Iceland save 3,228 tonnes of food from going to waste, according to the retailer.
The partnership, which launched in 2022, operates in nearly 1,000 Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores across the UK. At these destinations, a surplus of food is collected by Olio’s volunteers, known as food waste heroes, and shared with users in the app’s network.
Iceland and Olio said this year alone it has provided meals for 55,900 families through Olio, which they indicated was equivalent to a CO2e saving of 4.76 million kg.
Richard Walker, executive chairman of Iceland, commented: “Redistributing 2.5 million meals this year is something we’re incredibly proud of.
“At Iceland, our ‘Doing it Right’ philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, and this milestone is a great example of that commitment in action. By partnering with Olio, we’re not just reducing our environmental footprint – we’re making sure surplus food gets to the people who need it most.”
He added: “It’s about more than just food waste, it’s about supporting our communities and doing what’s right for future generations.”
Saasha Celestial-One, COO & co-founder of Olio, called the 2024 landmark “truly impressive”.
“Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and Iceland’s hardworking colleagues, this partnership continues to thrive,” she continued.
Iceland also announced this week it will be extending its lucky dip bags food redistribution trial with Olio, with an additional five Iceland stores across the north-west operating the service by the end of this month.
It is not a partnership exclusive to Iceland and Olio. UK retailers such as Holland and Barrett and Asda are also using the food redistribution app to help reduce food waste in their operations.
[image credit: Green Retail World]
