Start saving food with surprise bags at a lower price.
Story Gloria Nguyen
Edited by Pete Ramirez
Too Good To Go International was founded to make a powerful movement against food waste all over the world. This company has developed an app called “Too Good To Go,” which has become the No. 1 anti-food waste app.
The Too Good To Go app provides an overview of shops and restaurants in your area that have surplus food which is put in a bag and sold at a lower price, which is called the “surprise bag.” Users can order a “surprise bag” right from their phones using the app.
The app is Editor’s Choice and has received 4.8/5 stars review on Apple Store
Since Too Good to Go’s U.S. launch in 2020, the company has expanded over 12 major U.S. cities, including Austin.
“We have over 1.5 million Americans on our app and have saved over 1.3 million meals in just over a year,” Too Good to Go’s U.S. public relations specialist, Allie Sale said. “In 2022, we plan to hit 3 million meals saved.”
The most difficult thing the company has been facing is awareness.
“On the first day launched in Austin, our biggest issue was let’s get out there and let people know we’re here, so they know there is a solution for food waste and an option to get great food at great value,” Sale said.
To date, the company has established about 300 food business partners in Austin. According to Sale, since July 2021, Austin has saved over 30,000 meals.
“That’s such a growth to see in the city that we’ve just launched in. We’re very happy with the amount of welcome we received,” Sale said.
Sale provided these tips and tricks that Austin Community College students can use to become “Waste Warriors”.
First, download the app and start saving meals.
Second, plan your meals ahead. Be mindful about how much food you buy and make sure to go to the grocery store with a purpose.
Sale also shared her two favorite tips to minimize food waste.
“When you organize your fridge, try to move the things that are going to expire first to the front,” Sale said. “And if there’s anything that’s fresh-produced, for example, meat that you know you’re not going to get to, throw them in the freezer. It’s the best tool to save food from going to waste.”
“Changing your habits is never an overnight change,” said Sale. “Start with small changes. In 3 months, 6 months or a year, you’ll be amazed by how much less you waste, and also how much less money you’re wasting.”
Too Good To Go has also created a knowledge hub about food waste and its impact on the planet which you can find on their website at Too Good to Go.org. According to their website, the company is currently looking to fill two positions in Austin, Texas.