A savvy bargain hunter in the UK, Lara Oztekin, has captivated social media by revealing a little-known method that secured her an astonishing haul of over £500 worth of food from Pret A Manger, completely free of charge. This remarkable acquisition was not only for personal gain but primarily for distribution, preventing valuable food from going to waste.

Lara's impressive freebie collection from four separate pickups included a vast array of items. She proudly showcased two large bags brimming with croissants and pastries, a significant selection of baguettes, numerous sandwiches, wraps, and fresh salads. To further sweeten the deal, her haul also featured smoothie bowls, nutritious egg pots, and granola, demonstrating the diversity and value of the items she acquired.

Taking to social media, Lara shared her jaw-dropping bounty in a video, captioning it: “Probably needed a hug, but got £500 plus worth of Pret instead.” She humorously added, “A sourdough baguette keeps the doctor away.” Her post quickly went viral, attracting widespread attention and admiration for her ingenuity.

Crucially, Lara clarified the ethical aspect of her large collection. She explained that she obtained these freebies through the Olio app in her capacity as a 'food waste hero.' This voluntary role involves collecting unsold excess food that would otherwise be discarded and distributing it within the community. Lara emphasized, “My job was to distribute this to friends, neighbours and strangers so nothing went to waste,” confirming that approximately 90% of her haul was donated to those in need.

The Olio app serves as a vital platform in the fight against food waste. It connects users with free food items, often close to their expiry date but certified safe to eat by the Food Standards Agency. Beyond Pret A Manger, the app partners with major supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's, offering a variety of groceries, including fruit and vegetables, to users across the UK.

To access this valuable resource, individuals download the Olio app, available on the Apple App Store or online. Upon logging in, users can enter their postcode and preferred travel radius to find available food. They can choose to collect items directly from 'food waste heroes' like Lara, or from local residents sharing their surplus. The 'food waste hero' role is a community-focused initiative where volunteers pick up excess food from businesses and distribute it to their neighbours, ensuring it reaches those who can use it.

Lara’s TikTok clip (@laraoztekin) profoundly impacted social media users, amassing over 767,200 views, 84,300 likes, and 299 comments. Many expressed their amazement at the sheer volume of free food, with comments such as “I love using Olio” and “My dream.” Another user, a fellow Olio food waste hero, shared their experience of distributing food to families for children's lunches, highlighting the app’s positive community impact. The viral reaction also brought to light widespread concern about the significant amount of food being wasted, underscoring the importance of initiatives like Olio.