Network Rail and SSP partner with Olio to tackle food waste
It is estimated that the partnership could feed nearly 11,000 households annually by donating 150 tonnes of food every year
Network Rail and SSP Group have partnered with food sharing app Olio to tackle food waste through its Food Waste Heroes programme.
It is estimated that the partnership could feed nearly 11,000 households annually by donating 150 tonnes of food every year.
This partnership will see a total of 34 rail stations across Great Britain – including 17 Network Rail managed stations – participate in the scheme to ensure that surplus food, which would otherwise go to waste, is instead made available without charge to those within the local community.
News follows a “successful” 12-week trial at Network Rail’s London Waterloo station from April to June 2024 that saw contributions from retailers including Starbucks and Whistlestop stores, providing 3,112 meals from 4,300 items that benefited 127 households.
Hamish Kiernan, commercial director of property at Network Rail, said: “It is a great example of how businesses can collaborate to make a positive impact. By working closely with SSP, Olio and now other retail partners, Network Rail will be able to not only cut food waste but also drive greater sustainability and deliver more for local people.”
Meredith Ford, head of sustainability at SSP UK&I, said: “Reducing waste is not only a core part of our sustainability strategy but also makes good business sense. While we work hard to ensure we generate as little food waste as possible, there will always be some stock that we need to dispose of at the end of the day, so we’re delighted to be partnering with Olio to ensure this is redistributed to the community.”
Saasha Celestial, co-founder and COO at Olio, added: “We’re thrilled to announce this partnership with Network Rail and SSP through our Food Waste Heroes Programme at Waterloo Station and 33 other UK locations. It’s another powerful step towards a waste-free retail sector, and we know that our 4 million UK users are loving seeing such good quality food being shared by volunteers on the app.”
According to end-of-year data up to March 2024 from The Trussell Trust, food bank users have increased by 94% over the past five years.
