Too Good To Go app launches in Oklahoma to fight food waste

A new app that connects consumers with surplus food from local businesses is officially launching in Oklahoma. Called Too Good To Go, the platform aims to reduce food waste while helping customers access affordable meals.

App creators say the initiative has already had an impact in the state ahead of its official launch, preventing thousands of meals from being discarded.

How the app works

Too Good To Go allows users to buy unsold food from participating restaurants, cafes and stores at a discounted rate. The food is still fresh, but wouldn’t otherwise be sold and might end up in the trash.

Customers place orders through the app and receive a “surprise bag” filled with items the business has left at the end of the day. Customers are still provided a category of what might end up in their bag, but no specific items can be guaranteed.

“For users, it gives people access to great quality food at a fraction of that retail price,” said Allie Denburg with Too Good To Go. “So most of the food that’s on our platform is sold for one-third of the original retail price. It’s a great way to try new places in your community and contribute to reducing food waste.”

Already making an impact in Oklahoma

Though the app officially launched in Oklahoma on Wednesday, Denburg said more than 23,000 meals had already been saved through early reservations leading up to the rollout.

The app debuted in Copenhagen in 2016 before expanding to the United States in 2020. It is now considered one of the largest marketplaces in the world for surplus food.

Growing support from local businesses

So far, 70 food businesses across the state have signed up, including stores and restaurants in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Organizers expect that number to grow as more businesses and consumers hear about the program.

Denburg said the program also benefits restaurants, which are able to cut down on waste and potentially gain new customers.

“They often do find that it’s a great way to discover new places that they wouldn’t have otherwise gone to,” she said. “And often they’ll then return as a full-paying customer.”

Some businesses in Tulsa that are already on the app include Nelson's Buffeteria, New York Bagel, Farrell Bread & Bakery, F's Hawaiian Food, Whole Foods, Krispy Kreme, Beijing Gourmet and more.

How to get started

The Too Good To Go app is free to download on both the Apple Store and Google Play. It’s also free for businesses to join.

Users simply enter their location, browse available surprise bags, and choose a pickup time based on the business’s schedule.

The app is already active in dozens of other U.S. cities and has reportedly saved millions of meals worldwide.