When Svitlana, a nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, first heard about Olio, she signed up out of simple curiosity. She’d never come across the app before, but the idea of saving surplus food instantly made sense.
From then on, she signed up as a Food Waste Hero and began collecting free food almost daily. She shares her collections of unsold food with fellow Olio-ers, family and her colleagues, who request it via the app.
“I believe in saving food waste and know that businesses can have a lot of unsold food. So that food can feed me, my community and colleagues.”
In one of the busiest hospitals in the country, breaks are short and the canteen options are limited. Having good food ready to hand makes a meaningful difference on long 12-hour shifts.
So when Svitlana arrives with bags of rescued meals requested by her colleagues (nurses, consultants and surgeons) rush over and collect it with gratitude.
“One doctor told me that it’s a lifesaver and by getting free food through Olio he can save up to £60 a week.”
For Svitlana, sharing food quickly became a way to support not only her local Olio-ers, but also the people she works alongside every day. And it didn’t take long before others were inspired! A few nurses, as well as her daughter, also joined in and became Olio Supporters.
“She has been able to share food with strangers, family, nurses, consultants and surgeons all through Olio. And I cannot thank you enough, especially because it has been fueling these hardworking NHS staff for 12-hour shifts every single day.” Olivia, Svitlana’s daughter
What does Olio mean to you?
“It means people can have varied quality food while reducing food waste and saving money. Big thank you from all of us.”