The Wisconsin Union has launched the sale of unsold food on the app Goodie Bag to reduce food waste and increase food affordability.
The Wisconsin Union team is bundling unsold food, such as sandwiches and baked goods from the Badger Markets in Union South and Memorial Union, and offering the food at a 67% discount through Goodie Bag. Goodie Bag is a food marketplace app that connects customers with unsold food from local dining options. The team began selling unsold food through this service on April 6.
“It was a win-win situation,” Wisconsin Union Deputy Director Susan Dibbell said. “We could reduce waste and offer food at a greatly reduced cost. There was no reason not to do it. We are constantly looking for ways to be more sustainable and make good food even more affordable.”
The Wisconsin Union Sustainability Advisory Board and the Wisconsin Union dining and hospitality team began discussions with Goodie Bag team members in 2025.
The Wisconsin Union Sustainability Advisory Board, made up of students and staff, helps advance Wisconsin Union sustainability initiatives. The committee collaborates with Union staff, including Union dining team leaders, to identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact, promote responsible resource use and pilot sustainability programs, such as Goodie Bag.
The Wisconsin Union dining and hospitality team serves thousands of guests each day across campus locations. It strives to prioritize sustainability, including sourcing ingredients from local and regional partners, minimizing food waste and exploring ways to enhance environmental stewardship.
"UW–Madison is where I learned to believe in what’s possible,” said Briana Boehmer, Goodie Bag co-founder and chief operating officer and University of Wisconsin–Madison alumna. “I’m incredibly excited to partner with my alma mater, a university that has shown real commitment to innovation and reducing food waste.”
Customers can receive their first bag for free by downloading the Goodie Bag app and using the code WISCO.
Patrons can learn more about Wisconsin Union dining options at union.wisc.edu/dine.