A free way to help students eat well when money’s tight

What’s Olio?

The free app for getting free food, simply and sustainably.

A network of trained volunteers rescue unsold food from businesses like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Pret and Wasabi, then share it with people nearby.

Your students can pick up food for free, every single day. They can even become volunteers themselves, known as Food Waste Heroes, and rescue surplus food from local businesses to share with their community and keep some for free themselves.

We partner with business across the UK 

How can students get started?

☑️ Download the app – Olio is free to download on the App Store and Google Play

☑️ Browse what’s nearby – see free food and household items shared by people and businesses close by

☑️ Request an item – message to claim what they’d like, then arrange a quick pick-up

☑️ Collect and enjoy – pick up the food at the agreed time and tuck in

How your student union can help

It takes minutes to share with your students! Below you’ll find ready-to-share materials for students and staff. Olio complements your existing support services as a free option students can use independently and immediately.

Share it through:

✔️ A student newsletter or email bulletin

✔️ Your SU or university website and student support pages

✔️ Social channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)

✔️ A Canvas or Moodle announcement, or your student portal