By Iris Mbok, Year 12
“Too Good To Go” is a free food recovery app that has revolutionized the way we approach food waste. It has been called a quick solution to address all surplus food management needs. A vast range of people have started to become frequent users, serving as a powerful symbol of optimism in a world where 733 million people go hungry every day. The app now operates in 19 countries with over 350 million meals rescued. Here is an overview on how the app manages to address all surplus meals:
- How are expiry dates managed?
The main question people ask when they first hear about the app is: how do store owners make sure the food is safe to eat? The efficiency of in-store inventory management is greatly increased by digitising expiration date verification. When stocking shelves, the “Too Good to Go” platform eliminates the need to verify dates. Just 3% to 7% of SKUs (stock-keeping units) need to be checked every day. Additionally, customers get clear reports through a straightforward daily reporting system.
- What makes a product “Too Good To Go”?
When a product is about to expire, the “Too Good To Go” platform tells store personnel exactly what to do with it. For instance, they can print a discount sticker at the best possible price to sell in-store, make a Surprise Bag to sell on the “Too Good To Go Marketplace”, or donate the item. Users will then get a notification on their phone, and report to nearby stores to pick up their orders. Many users on the app “TikTok” have taken to the platform to publicize their experience with “Too Good To Go”, where in some instances, stores donated a large bag of food in which they could survive off for weeks at time.
- How does the app accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?
The app provides “Vegetarian” and “Vegan” filters in the app, which allows users to have access to food which fits into their diet, instead of creating additional, unnecessary waste. Additionally for those with allergies, extensive nutrition labels are provided on each product.
- Why is it so hard for restaurants to measure the actual quantity of food needed?
Stores usually have to produce more food than they can sell to meet demand, however, many grocery stores hesitate to donate surplus food as they worry about potential legal repercussions if someone were to get sick after consuming donated items.
- Is this available in Geneva?
This efficient method of reducing food waste, whilst simultaneously sparing cooking time is available across multiple regions! “Too Good To Go” operates in Geneva, providing leftover foods from a large array of restaurants. Customers typically pay 5-10 CHF and receive products that are worth three times the original price. Considering the high prices of restaurants in Switzerland, the app additionally helps reduce food inequity. Lower income families can have access to healthier food options which would usually be too expensive without these reduced prices.
Finally, in times where climate change is nipping at our toes, it is crucial to start making small changes in our behaviours. “Too Good To Go” is the perfect solution to reduce wastage; whether you’re an intrigued foodie who loves surprises, an overworked parent who does not have enough time to make dinner at night or a student living paycheck to paycheck, this app is an easy fix but has great impact.
