Through a collaboration with the innovative app Too Good to Go, Drexel Dining is now offering students and community members an opportunity to enjoy affordable meals while supporting sustainability. This platform connects users with surplus food from local eateries at heavily discounted prices, aiming to reduce food waste and provide value to customers. Several popular Drexel dining locations have joined the initiative, expanding access to sustainable meals in University City.

Founded in Copenhagen in 2016, Too Good to Go has gained global traction, boasting over 100 million registered users. The app works by allowing businesses to release "Surprise Bags" filled with unsold items that would otherwise go to waste. Users can reserve these bags through the app, paying significantly less than retail price while also contributing to environmental conservation. Beyond Drexel's campus, numerous local restaurants and cafes are participating, providing college students with convenient and cost-effective meal options.

Sustainable Dining on Campus

Drexel Dining’s integration with Too Good to Go introduces a new dimension of affordability and sustainability to university life. Popular campus spots such as Chick-fil-A, Pret a Manger, Starbucks, and The Market at Northside Dining Terrace now offer Surprise Bags, enabling students to save money while reducing their carbon footprint. These bags typically range from 25% to 50% off the original price, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals.

The partnership between Drexel Dining and Too Good to Go exemplifies how technology can bridge the gap between consumer needs and environmental responsibility. By leveraging unsold inventory, this initiative not only benefits participating businesses financially but also minimizes food waste. For instance, students like Madhu Karuppiah appreciate the value proposition of the app, noting that she consistently receives more than what she pays for. While there is some unpredictability regarding bag contents, many find the trade-off worthwhile due to the significant savings and eco-friendly impact. Additionally, the app provides transparency about potential items, helping users manage expectations effectively.

Community Engagement Through Local Partnerships

Beyond Drexel's dining halls, Too Good to Go fosters connections with various local establishments in University City. Cafes, pizzerias, and specialty shops like Savas Brick Oven Pizza, T.UNI Tea Cafe, and Bart’s Bagels actively participate in the program, enhancing accessibility to affordable meals throughout the neighborhood. This network caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone finds something appealing within the Surprise Bags.

Milind Sangani, a Biological Sciences major, highlights the convenience factor of using Too Good to Go. He mentions receiving generous portions from Schmear It, which made the purchase exceptionally worthwhile despite challenges posed by portion sizes exceeding individual consumption capacity. Such experiences underscore the app's dual role as both a financial aid tool and promoter of communal engagement. Moreover, its user interface simplifies navigation, empowering individuals to explore unfamiliar cuisines without breaking the bank. As living costs escalate, initiatives like this empower students to balance academic responsibilities with essential daily necessities while fostering a culture of sustainability. Together, these efforts contribute meaningfully toward creating a greener future for all stakeholders involved—students, businesses, and the broader community alike.