News Summary
Las Vegas has introduced the ‘Too Good To Go’ app to combat food waste and assist local families by connecting them with businesses offering surplus food at discounted prices. Launched after a successful pilot, the app enables consumers to purchase ‘Surprise Bags’ containing unsold food items. Participating restaurants and stores, including Rose Creek Farm, Krispy Kreme, and Whole Foods, provide significant discounts, making affordable meals accessible. The initiative aims to raise awareness about food waste and enhance food affordability for the community.
Las Vegas has officially launched the “Too Good To Go” app, aimed at combating food waste while supporting local families by connecting consumers with restaurants, shops, and nonprofits selling surplus food at discounted prices. This initiative rolled out on August 27, 2024, following a successful pilot program earlier in the year designed to measure customer interest.
The app allows participating businesses to package unsold food into what are known as “Surprise Bags.” These bags, filled with a variety of unsold food items, are available for purchase at a fraction of their retail prices, typically ranging from $5 to $10. Customers will pick up these Surprise Bags in-store without knowing the exact contents beforehand, creating an element of surprise and excitement.
The initiative has garnered support from various local organizations, most notably Lighthouse Charities, which emphasizes that collaborating with “Too Good To Go” significantly helps in reducing waste while also providing accessible food options for local families. Lighthouse Charities is known to effectively utilize about 75-80% of the food it receives, redistributing the remaining 20% back into the community to further support those in need.
Among the notable participants in this initiative is Rose Creek Farm, which provides seasonal produce at deeply discounted prices; for instance, an $18 bag can be purchased for just $5.99. Other major partners include well-known names such as Krispy Kreme and Whole Foods, alongside a variety of local restaurants and coffee shops, which all contribute to the app’s diverse offerings.
The “Too Good To Go” app includes not only meals and groceries but also discounts on items such as pet food and flowers, with prices frequently falling below $10. On average, the app provides consumers with discounts of over 70% compared to retail prices. The range of participating businesses encompasses different cuisines and types of food, making it an appealing option for individuals and families looking for budget-friendly meals.
Started in 2016, “Too Good To Go” is recognized as the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food, claiming that it helps save over one million meals each month across the globe. The app serves multiple functions, such as enabling customers to understand potential allergens in the food provided, although it does require users to contact stores directly for specific ingredient inquiries.
This local adaptation of the “Too Good To Go” app represents a significant step towards addressing both food waste and food insecurity in Las Vegas. By allowing consumers to purchase surplus food while simultaneously supporting local businesses, the app aims to foster a community-oriented approach to food distribution. It offers not only a means for individuals to access affordable meals but also promotes awareness about the issue of food waste, encouraging a more sustainable food model in the local community.
As the app continues to grow within Las Vegas, it is expected that more businesses will join the initiative, expanding the range of available food options and further enhancing support for families who face challenges related to food accessibility. The success of “Too Good To Go” in Las Vegas may set a precedent for other cities seeking similar solutions to tackle food waste and economic disparities.
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Additional Resources
- KTNV News
- Wikipedia: Food Waste
- News 3 LV
- Google Search: Food Surplus App Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Google Scholar: Food Waste Reduction Apps
- 8 News Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Security
- Chowhound
- Google News: Too Good To Go Las Vegas
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
