Life had thrown its fair share of challenges at Louise. After a painful divorce, the loss of her father and ongoing legal battles, she suddenly found herself navigating life as a single parent while trying to provide for her two teenage sons.
During this difficult time, the Olio food sharing app became an important way for Louise to help feed her family and connect with her local community.
But it was a small act of kindness from a stranger that meant the most.
A Simple Gesture That Meant Everything
Louise had spotted a listing on Olio for a bunch of free flowers and decided to collect them.
“As a single parent who has come through a really hideous divorce and has nothing left, I never buy myself little luxuries. On my birthday, I was feeling particularly low, but there was a lady giving away some flowers on Olio and I went to pick them up.”
“When I got there, she’d put out a bar of chocolate and a happy birthday note as well and I thought, oh my, what a lovely person.”
For Louise, the gesture meant far more than flowers.
“I love flowers. I don’t think there’s many women who don’t. And to actually be able to have some flowers in the house – that little luxury that you can’t afford to buy yourself when you’re trying to feed two starving teenage boys – was a godsend for me that week.”
Becoming an Olio Food Waste Hero
Louise’s positive experience using the Olio app inspired her to give back.
She signed up to become a Food Waste Hero, a volunteer role where people collect surplus food from local businesses and redistribute it within their community.
Louise now completes one collection slot each week, rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and sharing it with neighbours.
Helping Grow the Olio Community
Because Olio is still growing in Louise’s area, she has taken it upon herself to spread the word.
She shares Olio posts with friends, promotes the app on social media and even introduces it to her dog-walking clients.
“I’m a dog walker now and I’ve actually started to broadcast to my clients as well. I’d say things like: ‘Oh, you’re working from home today. Do you need sandwiches? Just keep a lookout on my Olio posts later.’”
In just three weeks, Louise has already helped five new people join Olio.
“So far I’ve brought in five new Olio-ers and I’ve only been doing it for three weeks, so I’m feeling pleased with myself!”
How the Olio Community Supports Each Other
Louise’s story is a powerful example of how community food sharing can bring people together.
A simple act of kindness helped her through a difficult moment. Now she is helping others by redistributing food and spreading awareness about the app.
Together, the Olio community is helping reduce food waste, support neighbours and protect the planet.
Favourite thing about Olio?
“It’s the flowers. It’s the little luxuries that I can’t afford to buy for myself. And helping others of course, it’s that high you get when you’ve done something good and know you’re making a difference.“