Improving the allocation of unused food: decision support to Foodbank Johannesburg

Abstract

Foodbanking in South Africa is still a relatively new and unknown concept. South Africa has more than 11 million people who are food insecure, thus dependent on the aid of non-profit organizations such as foodbanks. Foodbank South Africa is a non-profit organization that strives to narrow the gap between excess and need by receiving and distributing unwanted food in our communities. Foodbank strives to involve the public, the commercial sector and social organizations to integrate and address the hunger problem as a joint system. There are numerous facets in foodbanking that require deeper study for improvement as the demand for food is ever-increasing whilst large amounts of consumable food are still going to waste. This study aims to develop a quantitative method to make food allocation decisions at Foodbank Johannesburg. A standardized allocation system will help Foodbank JHB to make better use of its food resources, depend less on human judgment and assist in planning and decision-making. The following data preparations were required prior to the model formulation: The breakdown of food dietary groups, the classification of agency types, the definition of the agencies’ dietary requirements, and finally the analysis of historical inflow of donations. A forecasting system of the expected food donations is determined by studying historic data. Finally a mathematical model is formulated that calculates the various food types and quantities allocated to each agency. Linear programming is used as an optimization tool.