Central Co-op rescues one million items from waste with Olio

Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 25/11/2024

Central Co-op, in partnership with food sharing app, Olio, has rescued an incredible one million items of surplus food from going to waste since the partnership began in September 2023, marking a significant milestone in the fight against food waste and food poverty.

Through this collaboration, Olio volunteers (called Food Waste Heroes) rescue good surplus food directly from Central Co-op shops at the end of each day. They then      share that food directly with members of the surrounding community via Olio’s app - often in as little as 30 minutes.

The one million items saved through the partnership has gone on to feed 13,000 families in communities near Central Co-op shops in the last 12 months alone.

Central Co-op’s commitment to sustainability and community support is exemplified by its food redistribution scheme, which has evolved to become a cornerstone of its mission.

Olio’s food-safety trained volunteers play a vital role in this partnership, collecting surplus food from Central Co-op shops, taking it home, and advertising it on the Olio app for individuals or groups to collect free of charge.

This hyper-local approach promises to maximise community benefit while minimising waste, empowering more individuals and families living near Central Co-op stores to access essential resources. This is especially important during the ongoing cost of living crisis, and when so many families are struggling to access the food that they need.

Hannah Gallimore, Social Change Manager at Central Co-op said: “Our partnership with Olio has transformed how we support our communities and the environment by reducing waste in a meaningful way. Reaching one million items is an incredible milestone, and it's heartening to see how this food, which might otherwise have gone to waste, is instead reaching thousands of families in need. Together with Olio and the dedication of its Food Waste Heros, we’re not just tackling food waste – we’re building a more resilient and supportive community."

Saasha Celestial-One, COO and co-founder at Olio, added: “It’s great to see what an incredible impact our partnership with Central Co-op has had in such a short time. 1 million items rescued is no mean feat, and we’re really proud to be playing a part in Central Co-op’s waste reduction and CSR strategies. Here’s hoping more retailers follow their lead!”

Rooted in responsible waste management and social responsibility, Central Co-op’s initiatives have achieved remarkable milestones over the years. From becoming zero to landfill in 2010, to aligning with the government's waste hierarchy framework and working with food waste charities since 2017, the Society has continuously adapted to better serve its community and the environment.

To find your nearest Central Co-op shop, visit stores.centralengland.coop/search and details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop. The Olio app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, or to become an Olio Food Waste Hero volunteer, visit olioapp.com/en/get-involved/.

ENDS

For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk

Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004