Pret: What to expect from my collection

What should I expect from my Pret collections?

Pret collections are typically large, so please come prepared with a trolley or sturdy bags.

• Ask your fellow squad members if a car is essential.

• The variety and quantity of food can vary each day.

• All food is use-by dated and must be shared by midnight on the date printed on the packaging.

• Be ready to take as much food as you reasonably can and spend time sharing it widely -  this is a great opportunity to spread Olio joy across your community!

• When listing items, always include a clear photo of the food and its use-by date.

What food can and cannot be collected?

Please follow these guidelines carefully:

🥪 Prepared Baguettes, Salads & Wraps

✅ Can be collected if:

• Within their use-by date

• Clearly labelled

❌ Cannot be collected: Any products containing rice or grains

🧊 Chilled Products

✅ Includes yoghurts, fruit, protein pots, toasties (before heating)

❌ Cannot be collected: Any products containing rice or grains

🥐 Pastries

✅ Can be collected only if:

• Labelled with allergen information by store staff

• There will be one allergen label for the entire bag

• Keep the label in case a requester asks

• List on the app as “loose bakery”

❌ do not collect pastries without an allergen label

🔥 ❌ Hot Food cannot be collected

Pret does not donate hot food due to strict food safety and temperature control requirements.

Collection Timing & Store Communication

• Collection times align with store closing hours.

• Please be patient - staff cannot release surplus food until the last customer has left.

• If you are running late, knock on the door, as staff may still be inside cleaning.

• Pret stores can change trading hours independently.

  • If collection times appear incorrect, please notify Olio via the Volunteer Hub.

Store Staff & Surplus Food

• Pret staff are allowed to take food for personal use at the end of their shift.

• Stores likely also use TGTG - so they may have customers coming to purchase magic bags around closing time.

• Any remaining surplus is then offered to Olio volunteers.

• If you have concerns about surplus availability, please report this to Olio through the Volunteer Hub.

Reporting Issues

For any issues - including missing allergen labels, incorrect collection times, or problems contacting the store - please submit an FWH Issue Report Form in the Volunteer Hub.