That’s right: You don’t have to forego food. You just need to try a few new tech tools. Tap or click here for one app and website that compiles all the best food deals near you. If you’re struggling to feed yourself, apps like Flipp, Flashfood, Olio and Misfits Market can make a big difference. This guide will focus on how Too Good to Go can help you. Here’s how it works and why you should give it a chance.

Food price inflation isn’t going anywhere

According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, food price inflation is skyrocketing globally. Over the past year, everything we need to live has become more expensive, from rent to gas. The numbers back this up. Food price inflation jumped more than 11% in 2022, CNBC reports. That’s the highest increase since May 1979, according to Protect the Harvest. Bottom line: Many people are struggling to afford food. If you’re one of them, we’re here to help. Depending on where you live, you can use apps for affordable food. For instance, you can buy leftover restaurant food through Too Good To Go.

Reduce your grocery bill with a free app

This app connects you to local stores and restaurants that want to offload unsold food. You’re buying surplus grub. Restaurants may order 30 bagels for a day — but if they only sell 24, the extra six will usually go into the trash. Too Good To Go rescues food that would otherwise go to waste. It also saves you from overspending at the grocery store. That’s because the app lets you get food at significant discounts. Plus, there aren’t limits to the food you can buy. You can get everything from groceries to donuts and pizza. Once you download this app, you can buy mystery bags of dated produce, packaged foods and more from local supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Although you can’t order specific food items, you can get $35 worth of food for as little as $6. You can get sandwiches from Starbucks, donuts from local stores, breakfast muffins from McDonald’s and more. The possibilities are endless, so we recommend checking out this app. It’s free to download for Android and iOS. –

Keep this in mind

The only limit is your location. The app is available in a few different markets across the U.S., including:

Austin.Baltimore.Boston.Chicago.Los Angeles.Philadelphia.Portland (in Maine and Washington).New York.Providence.San Franciso.Seattle.Washington, D.C.

According to developers, the services should expand to other U.S. markets, but it’s pretty limited for now. If you live in one of these markets, you’re in luck. RELATED: Think food prices are high now? Get ready to pay even more

How it works

To use Too Good To Go, follow these steps:

Download the app.Register for an account.Adjust your settings so the app can find nearby businesses that participate. You can then reserve and pay for mystery bags.

Unfortunately, there are no delivery options. You have to head to the business at the stated pickup time. Then, show a cashier your order ID, so they know who you are. There’s a downside. If some app reviewers are to be believed, there’s some social awkwardness. Workers you speak to may not know what Too Good To Go is. One app reviewer said a cashier refused to give her what she paid for. When she tried to explain who she was, he thought she was a salesperson and refused to listen. Although she got a refund through the app, the wasted gas put another hole in her wallet. Maybe that was a freak accident, but it’s good to be prepared. Still, this money-saving app is worth checking out if you’d like to save money on food and groceries in 2023. Ordering surprise bags of surplus food can slash your grocery bills. Surely some potential awkwardness is worth that.

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