New App to Tackle Food Waste and Save Wisconsinites Money

Did you know close to 40% of food produced in the U.S. each year ends up being wasted? This contributes not only to environmental challenges but also rising food insecurity. Now, on the verge of a Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, those behind a new app called Too Good To Go are working to tackle food waste – nationwide and here in Wisconsin.

“Reducing food waste is the number one thing individuals can do to help fight climate change,” Allie Denburg, associate director of strategy and operations for Too Good To Go explains. “Our app makes that easy by turning surplus food into an opportunity for families and businesses alike.”

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The concept is simple. Food-related businesses ranging from coffee shops and bakeries to grocery stores and restaurants can list their leftover items on the app. Customers purchase a “surprise bag” of surplus food for about one-third of the retail price—often just $3.99 to $5.99 for food valued at $12 to $18.

“It’s a win-win-win,” Denburg says. “Businesses recoup revenue, customers save money, and together we cut greenhouse gas emissions from food waste.”

Since launching in Wisconsin, more than 30,000 meals have already been diverted from landfills, thanks to partnerships with 175 food businesses across the state. Globally, Denburg says the app is saving four meals every second.

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report estimates the cost of food waste for each U.S. consumer at $728 per year.

EPA Spokesperson

For families, students, and anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget, the app offers both affordability and variety. 

“You might spend $5 and walk away with sandwiches, pizza slices, or a mix of fresh produce,” Denburg explains. “It’s also a fun way to try new places in your area.”

The app is free to download from the Apple or Google Play stores, and businesses can sign up online to start reducing waste immediately.

“Usually, being sustainable means sacrificing something,” Denburg says. “But with Too Good To Go, you can actually save money while helping the planet.”

Find more information about Too Good To Go, including how to get the free app, here.

Additional Resources

Wisconsin DNR: Reducing Food Waste at Home

Wisconsin Gleaning Project: Food Recovery Organizations

UW Office of Sustainability: Composting

ReFED: Grading Wisconsin’s Food Waste Policies

School of Culinary Arts: Wisconsin Ranks 38th in Food Waste