When Dharma from Birmingham first downloaded the Olio app, she felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. It wasn’t like any other app she’d used before.
But it didn’t take long for her and her daughter to become regular users – picking up free food and household items from neighbours and giving away spare tins, cutlery and bits they no longer needed.
Olio quickly became more than just a money-saving app. It became part of daily life.
Then tragedy struck.
In her early days of using the app, Dharma lost her boyfriend. Overwhelmed by grief, she stopped using Olio for a while. But eventually, she realised the community sharing app offered something she hadn’t expected – connection.
“I’ve now got some really good friends on the forum. They were so supportive when I told them about the loss of my late boyfriend; it’s really nice knowing there are always people to come on and chat to.”
What began as a way to find free food and share spare items grew into something much deeper.
Through conversations in the forum, Dharma formed meaningful friendships that went beyond exchanging items. They share recipes, swap advice and laugh together about everyday life.
“I’ve tried the noodles with mushrooms recipe that a friend shared. My daughter loves that and I love that it’s freaking simple to make. We were also having a laugh the other day when a friend tried to take a mattress collected via Olio home on the bus!”
Dharma has also met some of her Olio friends in person while giving away items locally. The app helped her feel connected in Birmingham – and she’s already looking forward to using it when she moves to the seaside, knowing it will help her settle in and meet new people.
For Dharma, Olio isn’t just a free food app or a way to find free household items near her. It’s a friendly online space where kindness feels normal and community feels real.
Favourite thing about Olio:
“It’s such a friendly space online and I get to talk to people all over the country, and world!”
Favourite Olio item:
“I picked up a lovely pendant – it’s in my jewellery box”
Why this story matters
The Olio app is your local go-to for free food (and more). But beyond helping people save money and reduce waste, it also connects neighbours and builds community.
Sometimes you download a community sharing app to find a free item. Sometimes you find friendship instead.