Too Good To Go app to cut food waste debuts in Pittsburgh
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The global anti-food waste app Too Good To Go launched in Pittsburgh Wednesday.
Why it matters: About one-third of all food in the U.S. is thrown away, per the USDA, fueling greenhouse gas emissions and wasting resources like energy, water and labor — even as food insecurity rises in Southwestern Pennsylvania and nationwide.
- Too Good To Go tackles both issues with an app that connects local restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores to consumers eager to buy surplus food at a fraction of the original price, says Allie Denburg, U.S. strategy and planning lead at Too Good To Go.
Zoom in: Consumers typically pay half or one-third of the retail value for leftover food that's still fresh and safe to eat.
- Businesses pay an annual fee (typically $89) and $1.79 per bag sold.
- The app tracks each user's lifetime savings and offers at-home waste-cutting tips.
How it works: Download the app and create a profile.
- Browse "surprise bags" from nearby businesses.
- Contents are a surprise — you'll know the category (such as meals, baked goods or produce) but not the exact items.
- Reserve and pay for a bag directly through the app.
- Pick up your bag during the specified time window with a confirmation code.
What they're saying: "Businesses can recoup revenue from food that would otherwise be thrown out, and consumers can get great food for less," says Denburg, who discovered the app when she was a budget-conscious grad student.
By the numbers: Roughly 50 Pittsburgh businesses are already on board — from large retailers like Whole Foods to local spots like Macaron Bar in Lawrenceville and Bagel Factory in Squirrel Hill.
The big picture: Founded in Denmark in 2016 and launched in the U.S. in 2020, Too Good To Go now operates in 19 countries, has saved over 450 million meals (22 million in the U.S.), and partners with major chains like Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven, Circle K, Whole Foods, and IKEA, Denburg said.
What's next: With momentum building in Pittsburgh, the app's team hopes more independent and chain bakeries, cafés and grocers join the platform.