🌱 Surprise Meals, Happy Planet: How Too Good To Go Made Us Rethink Food Waste in Victoria
It all started with a message from a friend in Toronto:
“You have to try Too Good To Go, I’ve been getting bakery hauls for like $6!”
That one sentence led me down a food-rescue rabbit hole that changed how I eat here in Victoria.
As you may know, I studied the Geography of Food, so I’m always thinking about where our food comes from, where it ends up and too often, how much of it goes to waste. The numbers are staggering. In Canada, over half of our food supply is thrown out, even when much of it is perfectly edible. So when I heard there was an app designed to combat that and make delicious food more accessible? I was in.
So, What Is Too Good To Go?
Too Good To Go is a global app with a local mission: help stores and restaurants reduce food waste by offering their surplus meals at a steep discount, usually half price or less. You don’t get to choose exactly what’s inside (that’s why they call it a “Surprise Bag”), but that’s part of the charm. You save money, discover new spots, and most importantly, rescue food that would otherwise be tossed.
Why It Matters to Me
This app doesn’t just appeal to the frugal foodie in me, it aligns with everything I care about when it comes to food systems:
- Reducing food waste means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a more sustainable supply chain.
- Making food accessible at lower prices gives more people a chance to enjoy good meals.
- Supporting local businesses helps keep our vibrant Victoria food scene thriving.
Food isn’t just something we consume, it’s deeply connected to place, people, and the environment. Apps like this help close the loop between food production and consumption in a way that’s better for everyone.
What Surprised Me Most
When I first downloaded the app, I expected to see maybe one or two big-name chains. But I was genuinely surprised and honestly a bit excited to find so many local favourites already on board. Spots like Huntingdon Manor Hotel & Suites, The Art of Slow Food, and Damascus Food Market were offering Surprise Bags packed with perfectly good food that just didn’t sell in time. Even better? I discovered a few new hidden gems I hadn’t visited before, making the experience feel like a delicious little food adventure right here in Victoria.
Perks That Keep Me Coming Back
Besides the environmental impact, here’s why I keep using Too Good To Go:
- Enjoy great food at half price or less
- Discover new eats from local cafés, bakeries, or restaurants
- Pick up food near you, no extra travel needed
- Help the environment by reducing food waste
How It Works
Using the app is super simple:
- Discover Surprise Bags at stores and restaurants near you.
- Reserve and pay for your bag through the app.
- Pick it up at the designated time, show the app, and collect your food.
- Enjoy, knowing you’ve helped fight food waste and supported a local business.
🍴 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a student on a budget, a curious foodie, or just someone who hates to see good food go to waste, Too Good To Go is a small way to make a big impact. For me, it’s become more than a fun way to get cheap eats, it’s a reflection of what food should be: shared, sustainable, and valued.
Have you tried it yet in Victoria? Let me know your favourite spots, I’m always hungry for suggestions!
Download the app now >> https://tgtg.onelink.me/OGjG/2gvi42au