Olio is the world’s largest community food sharing app that helps people access surplus food from local supermarkets and businesses for free!
“Olio helped me get through weeks where I thought I wouldn’t be able to afford food.” Sam Wood, Student at Edge Hill University
With 61% of students skipping meals to save money and food inflation up 40% over the last 5 years, food insecurity amongst young people is only getting worse.*
Your students could be accessing free food today. Make sure they know where to look.
We partner with business across the UK
How Olio works
1️⃣ Browse free food shared by people nearby (p.s. most food is shared in the evening)
2️⃣ Request what you’d like to pick up
3️⃣ Collect your food at the agreed time and enjoy!
How to spread the word about Olio
Frame it right: lead with saving money and then sustainability second. Olio is not just support for students in hardship, it’s an app for anyone who wants to save money and reduce waste at the same time.
Signpost Olio across the channels that are available to you, there’s no formal agreement required, here’s what works:
📱 Share on social media
A single post or story from your SU or student services account can reach hundreds of students instantly. Here are some ready-made assets.
📧 Include in cost-of-living comms
Add Olio to your next student email, newsletter, or cost-of-living guide. Here’s a guide you can link to and some ready to go copy.
🖨️ Put up a poster or flyer
In welfare offices, accommodation blocks, libraries, and canteens. Here’s some ready to print materials. We can also add your logo if needed, just message us at honey.hodgson@olioex.com.
💬 Mention Olio in consultations
If you’re already talking to students about money worries, Olio is an easy free-to-use resource that students can use immediately.
🍎 Integrate with your existing work
Olio can work alongside existing on-campus food support. For example, on days where your food pantry or community breakfast might not be operating. Share posters and flyers about Olio at these events so students know where else they can find support when other services aren’t available.
📺 Use your digital screens
Campus digital screens are a great way to spread the word about Olio and means that students who might not consider accessing support formally might discover Olio.
Speak to Olio
Email honey.hodgson@olioex.com with any questions or to speak to our team about how we can work together.
Click here to download materials to share with your students here.
*Source: Save the Student Money survey 2025