"Join us in making a difference!"

Monday 27 January 2020

It's been 17 months since the food sharing app, OLIO, was launched in Guernsey, where it's continued to grow in popularity with almost 5,000 local users signing up.

The app is available worldwide and was brought to the island by ambassador Elis Joudalova, who also launched the initiative in Jersey.

It aims to connect neighbours and encourage them to share unwanted food rather than throwing it away.

Since its Guernsey launch, a number of businesses have got involved including the Co-op and Roll Bar as well as local cafes. At the end of the day, they list any food that is still okay to eat but would otherwise go in the bin on the app, and nearby members are invited to pick it up for free.

Pictured: OLIO app.

December and January have been particularly busy for the team of volunteers, with many over-buying throughout the festive season.

"OLIO is always at its busiest over the Christmas period," said Ms Joudalova. "With lots of festive foods and ingredients on the shelves as well as bank holidays, we had much more surplus food to collect from our businesses.

"The OLIO community were also sharing more surplus food and unwanted gifts after Christmas."

The app is free to download and and anyone is welcome to post food to give away or ask to collect it.

Pictured: The Co-op uses the app to offer food that would otherwise be thrown away.

"OLIO connects neighbours with each other to share unwanted food and items that can be of great use to someone else," Ms Joudalova added. "At the same time, everyone can do their bit for the environment and help the world fight the climate crisis.

"2020 is the year of changes, so please join us in making a difference!"

Pictured top: Some food surplus donated and Elis Joudalova inset.