NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rising grocery prices are pushing people to find smarter ways to enjoy good food without breaking the bank.
One local bakery, Ugly Bagel, faced a common problem: what to do with leftover bagels at the end of the day. Co-owner Jacob Strang shared that sometimes they had up to 30 bagels left, while on other days they sold out by lunchtime. They didn’t want to add to the staggering statistic that nearly 40% of food in the U.S. is wasted, according to the USDA. So, they sought a solution.
That’s when they teamed up with an innovative new app called Goodie Bag. This platform enables restaurants and bakeries to sell their surplus food at half the original price or even less. At the end of the day, these businesses list their leftover items for sale.
Eddy Connors, the co-founder and CEO of Goodie Bag, explained, “We wanted to solve multiple issues at once: prevent good food from going to waste, help local shops recover some of their costs, and provide consumers with affordable access to quality food.” The catch? Buyers don’t know exactly what they’ll receive, although the app gives a hint about the contents.
With a week into its launch in Nashville, feedback has been positive. Strang mentioned, “Every day we’ve posted, we’ve sold at least a couple of bags. The early signs are encouraging.”
Goodie Bag is free for both businesses and users. While options are currently limited to a few eateries, there’s hope that more establishments will join the platform soon.
This effort aligns with a growing movement to limit food waste. A recent survey by the NRDC found that 39% of consumers support initiatives that help reduce food waste in their communities. Apps like Goodie Bag not only make a difference for local businesses but also encourage environmentally conscious habits among consumers.
As this trend gains momentum, it could reshape how we think about food, pricing, and sustainability. The journey of Goodie Bag could inspire similar efforts in other cities, fostering a culture of mindful consumption and community support.
Check out this related article: Will Tariffs Impact Your Grocery Bill? Exploring the Availability of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
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