Iceland has hit a milestone in reducing food waste by redistributing 2.5 million meals to local communities throughout 2024 with its partnership with food-sharing app Olio.

Since partnering Olio in 2022, the frozen food retailer has saved 3,228 tonnes of food from going to waste.

The partnership now operates in nearly 1,000 Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores across the UK, where a surplus of food is collected by local ‘Food Waste Heroes’ and shared with users in Olio’s network.

This year alone, the grocer has provided meals for 55,900 families through Olio, equivalent to a CO2e saving of 4,758,729 kg – the same impact as taking 16,215,373 cars off the road.

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Iceland Foods executive chairman Richard Walker said: “Redistributing 2.5 million meals this year is something we’re incredibly proud of. At Iceland, our ‘Doing it Right’ philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, and this milestone is a great example of that commitment in action.

“By partnering with Olio, we’re not just reducing our environmental footprint—we’re making sure surplus food gets to the people who need it most.

“It’s about more than just food waste, it’s about supporting our communities and doing what’s right for future generations. We look forward to continuing this partnership with Olio and finding even more innovative ways to make a meaningful difference.”

The news comes as Iceland has unveiled plans to extend its lucky dip bags food redistribution trial with Olio to an additional five stores across the north west by the end of October.