San Diego Restaurants Combat Food Waste with Discount App

News Summary

Local restaurants in San Diego are leveraging the mobile app ‘Too Good To Go’ to reduce food waste by selling surplus meals at discounted prices. With over 90 participants, the initiative not only helps save food but also attracts new customers. Popular spots like Poke House and Blackmarket Bakery North Park are offering significant discounts on meals, encouraging community support while promoting environmental sustainability. This initiative marks an important step towards better food management and local business engagement.

San Diego Restaurants Combat Food Waste with Discount App “Too Good To Go”

San Diego has seen a significant rise in the use of the mobile application “Too Good To Go,” which aims to connect local restaurants and bakeries with surplus food to consumers. The app allows customers to purchase leftover meals at steep discounts, providing an innovative solution to combat food waste while offering savings on dining.

As of now, more than 90 businesses in San Diego have joined the platform. Notable participants include Poke House and Blackmarket Bakery North Park. These establishments contribute to the goal of reducing food waste while simultaneously attracting new customers. Poke House, for example, offers meals at about a 30% discount for pickup after 9 PM, making it an economical option for diners late in the evening. Meanwhile, Blackmarket Bakery North Park sells boxes of baked goods valued at $18 for only $5.99, which includes a variety of items such as croissants, sourdough bread, and brioche, thus effectively minimizing food waste.

The Too Good To Go app operates across multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It has successfully rescued 25 million meals from being discarded in the United States alone. This initiative significantly contributes to environmental efforts aimed at reducing methane production, a greenhouse gas that plays a role in climate change. By decreasing food waste, the app not only helps restaurants but also addresses broader environmental concerns.

How the App Works

Customers can download the app for free, which is designed to be user-friendly. Once downloaded, users can filter offerings by location, price, food type, and pickup times. Popular items available at a discount often include pizza slices and doughnuts, which customers can purchase at a fraction of their original price. Some restaurants, like KuJoEats, offer meals at one-third of their original cost, making dining options more accessible.

Many restaurants provide “surprise bags” filled with assorted food items based on their daily surplus, allowing consumers to explore new food options at reduced prices while supporting local businesses. The concept has created a beneficial scenario for both consumers and local eateries, fostering a sense of community engagement. Reviews and feedback after pickups also help future users gauge the quality of food and vendor practices.

Community and Environmental Impact

Engagement with the app can lead to new customer interactions for local restaurants. When users pick up their discounted meals, they are often encouraged to support participating businesses by making additional purchases during their visits. The app not only promotes food recycling but also enhances the economic viability of small businesses by attracting new clientele who may not have visited before.

In summary, the “Too Good To Go” app provides a practical solution to food waste in San Diego, benefiting consumers with substantial savings while supporting local businesses and promoting environmental stewardship. With its wide range of offerings and ease of use, this initiative marks a positive shift towards better managing surplus food and fostering community collaboration.

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Additional Resources

• CBS8: Discounted Meals App
• NBC San Diego: App Hooks You Up with Discount Takeout
• Fox 4 KC: Too Good To Go App Launches in Kansas/Missouri
• San Diego Union Tribune: Tips on Using Too Good To Go
• Axios: Whole Foods and Too Good To Go App