I just heard about an app that allows you to save money and cut back on food waste. It’s called Too Good to Go and it syncs you up with stores and restaurants in your area that have food about to be tossed in the garbage. For a small sum, you get to save that food and bring it home with you. The app is not available in all cities (yet) but for those of you with access to this app in your area, here’s a breakdown of how everything works.
If you don’t have access to this app in your area, we’ve got grocery coupons and food promo deals. Plus, we’ve got restaurant freebies and deals you can get on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays every week.
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Here’s how the Too Good to Go App works.
Get access to over 4,000 bakeries, over 4,300 restaurants, and nearly 2,000 supermarkets to get perfectly good food that’s in danger of going to waste.
1. Download the app.
It’s available in the App Store, Google Play, and Huawei AppGallery. The app itself is entirely free and you only pay if you decide to order one of their Surprise Bags from a local shop.
2. Use the map to find participating locations near you.
The app’s map allows you to enter your location or use your location settings on your phone. Then you can search for restaurants and stores within a set distance from your home.
3. Order a surprise bag from the shop of your choice.
Once you’ve entered your location, you’ll find a list of stores and their Surprise Bag offerings on the Discover page. Select the bag you want and reserve a pick-up time to collect your bag from the shop.
4. Pick up your Surprise Bag at the designated time.
Pop into the store at your set time and grab your bag. Enjoy your discounted food and enjoy knowing that you are playing a part in cutting down on food waste.
Related: The Free Flashfood App Can Save You 50% on Groceries
This is everything in my $4 surprise bags.
I paid a total of $8 and received two bags. One from a local grocery, Dom’s Kitchen & Market. And one from Molly’s Cupcakes. For reference, I am in Chicago.
From Dom’s I scored just over $15 worth of food for $4.
- A loaf of cinnamon bread ($6.99)
- Chocolate pretzel cookie ($1.99)
- Slice of apple pie ($4.59)
- A bagel ($1.59)
At Molly’s, I would have spent approximately $15 on what I received in my Surprise Bag.
- Four unfrosted cupcakes ($3 each)
- Rice Krispies treat ($3)
I liked it for a cheap dinner meal, or if I have family over and I’m looking for easy ways to feed the group.
Related: 45+ Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free
So far, the app is in 16 cities.
The app is available nationwide, but right now it’s only operational in select larger cities and some of the surrounding areas. If you live in or near any of the following cities, Too Good to Go can save you money on your next food order.
- Austin, TX
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Chicago, IL
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- New York (and NY metro area)
- Philadelphia, PA
- Portland, ME
- Portland, WA
- Providence, RI
- Sacramento, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington DC
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