BETHLEHEM, Pa. — An app designed to curb food insecurity around the world is picking up traction in the Lehigh Valley.
Too Good To Go, available on iOS and Android, features bakeries, supermarkets and restaurants determined to not let perfectly good food go to waste.
- The global Too Good To Go app is picking up traction in the Lehigh Valley
- Several local businesses have partnered with the app to cut down on food waste, creating "Surprise Bags" of unsold food
- The company says the food is offered at one-third the retail price
Instead, those partner businesses create “Surprise Bags” of unsold food that are quickly flying off the shelves in our area.
The model helps businesses recoup some revenue from food loss and waste. It also helps consumers eat good food for less, and lowers the impacts of food waste on the environment.
How it works
Any user who logs into the app will be able to see which restaurants in their area are partnered with Too Good To Go.
The app works by location sharing, similar to other on-demand food delivery services such as UberEats and DoorDash.
Users pick a radius — within 20 miles of their location — and are able to see what businesses are offering “Surprise Bags” nearby.
The app is free to use, and people only pay when they request one of the bags — which have a limited shelf life and can be picked up at a designated time.
Conquering food waste
The company’s website says more than a third of all food is being wasted — including around 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth in the United States each year.
Since launching in the United States, Too Good To Go said it has saved more than 4.3 million meals from going to waste across more than 10,000 partners in 13 states.
“Surplus food waste accounts for 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions and costs the average American family almost $2,000 per year,” the company said in a recent news release.
“Too Good To Go believes in a world without food waste and is proud to support local businesses to help them recoup revenue that would otherwise go to waste, lessen the environmental impacts of food waste and help [people] eat great food, while saving money.”
Which Lehigh Valley businesses are participating?
Too Good To Go is partnering with a handful of Lehigh Valley businesses, and getting noticed.
“Too Good To Go is the app that lets you rescue unsold food at your favorite spots from an untimely fate,” a user wrote in the Lehigh Valley Food Facebook group early Wednesday morning.
“This can be anything from leftover baked goods, close to expiration prepared foods, slightly imperfect produce, or my personal hope that some local pizza shops will soon join in for some end of the night pizza deals.”
These are some of the current partners locally thus far:
- Asta African Market at 189 Tilghman St., Allentown. According to its website, the business is a specialized all-Africa international marketplace through its centralized global eCommerce platform and local stores.
- Dino Sweets on the upper level of Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township. According to its website, it offers delicious treats such as fan-favorite donuts, churros and coffee.
- Ms. Velvet’s Cafe at 239 N. 4th St., Allentown. According to its website, the business specializes in on-the-go breakfast and lunch options, as well as coffee.
- Philly Pretzel Factory at 5924 W .Tilghman St., Allentown. The pretzel factory is renowned for its hand-twisted, fresh baked pretzels offered daily.
- Jay’s Local at 2301 Liberty St., Allentown. This cafe offers locally sourced products, breakfast all day and a variety of delicious treats.
The Too Good To Go app lets you know how many "Surprise Bags" are available at each location, and when they’re unavailable or sold out.
