Too Good To Waste: How New Yorkers Are Fighting Food Waste with Too Good To Go
By Laura Mirella Corbella (4/13/25) — New York, NY
New York City is a global food capital, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden neighborhood gems. But with great food culture comes a major problem: food waste. Every year, millions of pounds of perfectly good food end up in landfills. One innovative solution helping to tackle this issue is the app Too Good To Go, which connects consumers with restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores offering surplus food at a discounted price.
THE STORY BEHIND THE APP
Originally launched in Denmark in 2015, Too Good To Go has since expanded across Europe and North America, including NYC. The concept is simple: restaurants and stores list their unsold food on the app, and users can purchase a “surprise bag” at a fraction of the original price. Customers don’t know exactly what they’ll get, but they can expect fresh, high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste.
REAL EXPERIENCES: WHAT DO NEW YORKERS THINK?
I decided to try Too Good To Go myself and was pleasantly surprised. One evening, I picked up a mystery bag from Orwashers Bakery, a beloved NYC spot known for its artisanal bread. For just $5, I got a baguette, two pastries and a loaf of rye bread, items that would have cost at least triple the price. The quality was fantastic, and knowing I helped reduce waste made it even better.
To get a broader perspective, I spoke to a few New Yorkers, students, and friends who frequently use the app.
Antonio, 21, goes to NYU. He stated that he loves using Too Good To Go for bakeries like Mille-Feuille in Greenwich Village. He once got a mix of croissants, pain au chocolat and a delicious almond pastry for $4. “It’s a win-win, I save money and enjoy gourmet treats”, he revealed.
Sanne, 22, lives in Union Square: “I use it for lunch sometimes. Pokéworks and Le Pain Quotidien have great deals. I once got a full poké bowl for $6 instead of $15.”
Arushi, 24, lives in Downtown Brooklyn: “The app helps me discover new places. I found an amazing Mediterranean spot called Taim through Too Good To Go. Their leftover falafel bowls are a steal!”
IMPACT OF THE INITIATIVE
Too Good To Go is more than just a money-saver, it’s a sustainability movement. In NYC alone, where restaurants discard tons of food daily, the app helps reduce waste and carbon emissions. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, making this initiative even more crucial.
Restaurants also benefit, as it allows them to cut losses while reaching new customers. Many have embraced the platform, including Think Coffee, Bibble & Sip and Juice Press, all of which regularly list surplus items.
Too Good To Go is a small but impactful way for New Yorkers to eat well while supporting sustainability. If you haven’t tried it yet, download the app and rescue a meal, you might discover a new favorite spot while helping the planet.
