Too Good to Go Launches Food App to Tackle Waste and Slash Costs
Sharing food and reducing waste has become easier than ever with the introduction of a new mobile app named Too Good to Go. Designed to combat food waste while also helping consumers save money, the app has recently launched in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. With concerns over the environmental impact of food waste growing, this innovative solution aims to address the issue and provide affordable options for food lovers.
Percy Berger, owner of Coral Gables’ beloved Chocolate Fashion Bakery, shared his passion for pastries and chocolate that has kept his bakery thriving for nearly two decades. As demand has increased over the years, Berger often bakes extra to meet the needs of his customers. However, this sometimes results in leftovers.
To combat this issue and promote sustainability, the Too Good to Go app offers these leftover food items at discounts of up to 50 percent to buyers. Recognizing the importance of reducing food waste, the app encourages users to donate any surplus food rather than throwing it away.
Recent studies have revealed that household food waste in the United States is on the rise, despite the increase in food prices. According to Kathryn Bender, a professor of economics at the University of Delaware, food waste in the country experienced a staggering 280 percent increase from 2021 to 2022. These findings highlight the urgent need to address the issue of food waste to alleviate its financial and environmental impact.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that up to 40 percent of the food supply in the country goes to waste, resulting in around 133 billion pounds of discarded food, amounting to a value of $161 billion. The introduction of the Too Good to Go app aims to significantly reduce these wasteful practices and offer consumers access to affordable meals, providing a win-win situation for both parties.
Berger emphasizes that his bakery bakes fresh every day, contributing to the challenge of minimizing waste. Despite careful planning, some leftovers are inevitable. Now, with the Too Good to Go app, there is hope that more surplus food will find its way to those who need it, rather than ending up in the trash.
The app also addresses the challenge of finding food pantries that can accept large quantities or unprepared foods. However, the distributed leftovers from participating businesses are a boon to those in need.
Too Good to Go spokesperson Sarah Soteroff explains, What we want to do is ensure any food where it occurs isn’t getting thrown out. If those who are on the app can donate it, we encourage that.
By utilizing the mobile app, consumers can not only enjoy delicious meals at reduced prices but also contribute to global efforts to combat food waste. Too Good to Go’s initiative aligns with increased awareness of sustainability and environmental responsibility, making it a crucial solution for resource conservation and a more equitable access to affordable food options.
With its user-friendly interface and commitment to reducing food waste, the Too Good to Go app is poised to revolutionize how consumers approach food consumption and contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future.
