Lidl GB has today announced an evolution of its long-standing partnership with Neighbourly, introducing a new trial with the popular food-sharing app Olio to redistribute even more surplus food.
This landmark collaboration significantly scales up Lidl GB’s existing efforts with social impact platform Neighbourly by integrating Olio’s network of Food Waste Heroes into its surplus food network – combining the strengths of two leading players in food redistribution for the first time.
Managed by Neighbourly, the new model introduces Olio’s Food Waste Hero network as an extra layer to support the discounter’s primary charity partners. Using the free Olio app, registered Food Waste Heroes collect items in the evenings, including chilled food, meat, fish, and poultry, alongside fan-favourite Lidl bakery goods, and share them with neighbours nearby, entirely for free.
Launching Friday 15th May across 20 stores in London and Northern England, the trial, if successful, is expected to redistribute more than 5,000 tonnes of food, the equivalent of 11.9 million meals, to those in need annually. With ambitions for a nationwide rollout by the end of the year, this initiative represents a critical step toward Lidl GB’s target to reduce food waste by 70% by the end of FY2030.
Matt Juden, Head of Sustainability at Lidl GB, said: “At Lidl GB, we believe that no good food should ever go to waste. While we have already made massive strides in reducing our surplus, this extension of our Neighbourly-managed programme allows us to have even more impact. It ensures that we are reaching every corner of the communities we serve, making sure edible food stays on plates and out of the bin.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, said: “Our mission has always been to ensure as much edible surplus food as possible goes to those in our communities that need it most. By expanding the programme to evening collections and including Olio’s Food Waste Heroes, we are providing Lidl with a robust additional redistribution layer. This isn’t about diverting food away from charities, it’s about opening up new streams of chilled and fresh produce for them, while ensuring nothing goes to waste if a charity can’t make it.”
Saasha Celestial-One, Co-founder and COO of Olio, added: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Neighbourly and Lidl. We’re looking forward to working together to maximise the amount of edible surplus that can reach local communities from Lidl stores, and making sure as little food as possible goes to waste. We’re excited to see the impact of the trial, and we know our volunteers will be thrilled to have the chance to rescue Lidl food via our app.”
Since 2016, Lidl GB has donated 50 million meals through its Feed it Back scheme with Neighbourly, linking every nationwide store to local good causes. This unwavering commitment to operating more sustainably is guided by its vision of better living every day.
