As a university student, I understand the struggle of needing to save money while also wanting to try new foods. Sometimes, I end up caving in and going out to a new restaurant or ordering takeout after a long day.
However, I cannot stress the importance of budgeting (and the fact that there IS food at home). There have been many times I’ve wanted to eat out but instead ended up making food at home. Now, if there’s actually no food at home, then go buy groceries, takeout, support a local restaurant or try saving a meal from Too Good To Go.
What is “Too Good To Go“?
Too Good To Go is an app available for IOS and Android users. According to their website, the app “helps everyday people fight food waste in their local communities by connecting them to restaurants and grocery stores with surplus meals and ingredients.” This app isn’t necessarily new in North America, but in 2021, they successfully expanded to Canada with one of the cities being Toronto!
How does it work?
At the end of the day, businesses may have a surplus of food or products that haven’t been sold or are close to their “best before” date. They will usually release a “surprise bag” of items that are priced significantly lower than retail. I’ve purchased a meal of $18 value for just $5.99, which is approximately one-third of the retail value. This is great if you’re a university student who is on a budget like me!
Usually, you can reserve a bag and pick it up at the location specified on the app. However, if you’re unable to pick up your bag, you can cancel up to two hours before the specified time for a full refund.
Now, you’re probably wondering, why should I buy food from Too Good to Go?
- You’re helping prevent food waste! According to TGTG’s website, 40% of all food is wasted.Â
- You’re saving money! Sure, it’s surplus food or food close to its “best before” date, however, I’ve never had a problem with any surprise bag I’ve purchased on the app.
- You’re trying new foods! I’ve found myself reserving TGTG bags from restaurants and bakeries that I’ve never been to before and I ended up loving what I received.
Some Tips I’ve Picked Up Using the App
I’ve been using this app for almost two months and I’ve never had an issue with any of the bags I’ve purchased.Â
However, I’ve had many friends struggle to get a surprise bag they wanted, as most in-demand TGTG bags sell out within seconds of being available (trust me, I know).Â
- If a bag has been purchased by someone else, it has to be picked up at a specified pickup time, such as at 7PM – 7:45PM. About 15 minutes later, at exactly 8PM, surprise bag(s) will be available to reserve for pick up the next day. All pickup times are different, but I find that most bags are reservable 15 minutes after the previous pickup time, unless there is no surplus food available.
- You can try pure luck as sometimes people will unreserve a bag that they aren’t able to pick up, allowing you to reserve it when it becomes available!
- Sometimes surprise bags can also be reserved the day of and within hours of pickup. It depends on the business. So keep your eyes peeled for bags that become available!
I also recommend adding businesses that you want to try to reserve a bag from to your Favourites list. It allows for easy access so you don’t have to search for a business on the map, especially if you’re in a hurry.
Also, bring your own reusable bag to carry your purchase in.
My Own Experience with the App!
I love this app and trying out new foods from places that I wouldn’t normally go to. I’ve always been conscious about not wasting my food and love the fact that I’m helping prevent food waste, one surprise bag at a time (without breaking the bank). I’ve purchased anything and everything, ranging from artisan croissants, torch-pressed sushi, fresh-pressed juice, and even groceries. I will be back for more!
I hope this article starts a conversation about Too Good To Go, their fight to end food waste and how you can help!