Check out the Too Good To Go app to save on food

[disneysteve]

My wife and I just learned about an app called Too Good To Go that aims to reduce food waste from restaurants and bakeries. What they do is offer special deals late in the day before closing time to sell off food at a discount rather than trashing it.

We bought our first deal today - a "magic bag" from a local bagel shop for $3.99. We had to pick it up between 2:40 and 3:00 (they close at 3). I went over and got a bag with a dozen bagels. That would normally cost $12.75 so $3.99 was quite a bargain. The only downside was I couldn't pick the bagels. It was whatever they gave me, but there was a variety in there. Came home, ate one, kept a couple more wrapped on the counter, and put the others in the freezer.

Check it out and see if there is anywhere in your neighborhood that participates. Around here, there are a couple of bagel shops, a bakery or two, a pizza place, a family restaurant, and a couple of others.

[kork13]

Great concept, and I think at places like bakeries that pre-cook all of their product each day, this is a great method to put excess to use. But how would that work with a restaurant (for example), where most everything is cooked to order? I suppose they could do it for batch stuff, like soups, breads, etc...

We have a local, independent donut shop that does similar, though not quite that big of a steal. She closes about 3pm, and around 2pm she faithfully posts on our small town's FB page with the 1-4 boxes of random stuff she's got left. $10/box for typically 12-15 handmade donuts (vs. I think $15 for a dozen), normally including at least 1-2 of her massive fritters or cinnamon buns... All of which are fantastic btw. She does similar with her breads & pastries. She almost always sells out to the very last donut.

[disneysteve]

One restaurant’s listing says the bag could be just sides or a main course depending on what’s available. Makes sense as many items are made in a big batch each day. A pot of soup or mashed potatoes or a big tray of vegetables or whatever.

That restaurant isn’t that close to us so we probably won’t try it. We might try the pizza place though. That’s nearby.

[jenn_jenn]

I love to see this post!! I have a friend that works there. It’s a great company and great concept. I hope it continues to grow. Glad you found it worthwhile!!

[james.hendrickson]

So, I also downloaded this app - but there weren't a whole lot of stores close to me that had consistently good deals.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Oh i can't wait to see what is nearby...i installed app and it's delightful

[disneysteve]

So, I also downloaded this app - but there weren't a whole lot of stores close to me that had consistently good deals.

I'm sure it varies a lot by location. Hopefully more places will get on board with it.

[kork13]

I'm sure it varies a lot by location. Hopefully more places will get on board with it.

There's no participating places in our town, either of the 2 big cities nearby, nor the east coast city I'll be going to for the next year... So not beneficial for me, unfortunately.

But again, definitely a fan of the concept. It helps both the buyer (reduced cost for food) & seller (get income from what would otherwise be waste), not to mention our society as a whole, if the idea can catch on.

[bjl584]

Interesting.
I'll have to look and see if anyone around me participates in this.

I used to work at a grocery store, and the deli would sell off everything super cheap to the employees at the end of the shift.
I'd come home with several foam containers of chicken and sides for $1

[QuarterMillionMan]

I cook most of my meals so probably won't use this app much but curiosity got me to download it and this is what’s available in my area.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Another surprise bag near me.

[mumof2]

We don't do that over here they (as well as supermarkets) donate it to the homeless shelters daily they have a truck drive around and pick it up and deliver it for free for them...so it still doesn't go to waste...humans wasteso much food

[LivingAlmostLarge]

still trying to find something that works

[QuarterMillionMan]

I deleted this app, junk (lol).

[james.hendrickson]

I think its fine if you live in a bigger city where there is a lot of participating. A couple of the smaller cafes near me were selling their day old stuff last time I checked.