How to use “Too Good To Go” in Boston

This resource helps connect people + businesses to prevent food waste.

A person sitting on the step with a takeout bag and a cup of coffee.

Pro tip: don’t miss your pickup window.

Photo via Pexels

This app is too good to not use. The Too Good To Go app was created to connect the community with surplus food from local restaurants that would have been thrown away.

The amount of food that is wasted isn’t a new concern with a whopping 30-40% of the food supply in the US going to the trash, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The app launched in Denmark with a goal to reduce food waste and improve sustainability.

According to a survey conducted by the app, ~86% of Bostonians want to do more to reduce their food waste. The survey also found that ~85% of city residents are concerned about climate change, but don’t recognize food waste as a primary contributor.

If you use the app two times, you can prevent the carbon dioxide equivalent of charging 638 smartphones. That’s eating a lot of energy.

In Boston, there are 270+ eateries that have joined the app, including Render Cafe, Eataly, OTTO, Chicken and Rice Guys, and Finagle a Bagel.

Here’s how it works:

  • Download the app.
  • Narrow down your location using the map feature.
  • Browse the selection based on availability + pick up times.
  • Complete your purchase.

Pro tip: be prepared to be surprised — most participating eateries are offering “surprise bags.” Check the app early in the day, since these to-go packages are limited and just a few are up for grabs.

The app will update your profile after each reservation, so you know how much money you are saving + the amount of CO2e you are preventing.

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