Impact of Collaborative Food Rescue Initiatives on Food Waste Reduction
Description
In the current food systems landscape, the concept of food rescue has become a powerful force due to concerns about waste and its effects on the environment and society. This paper explores the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, such as retail donors, food banks, for-profit organizations, and waste management entities, in addressing the complex challenges of food security, sustainability, and waste reduction. Through a comprehensive framework, surplus food is rescued from various stages of the supply chain and redirected towards meaningful purposes, mitigating the environmental impact of food waste. However, despite these efforts, the global paradox of food waste alongside increasing food insecurity continues to exist. This study examines the dynamics of how food is allocated among stakeholders through Monte Carlo simulation in order to identify disparities and optimize the use of resources. By addressing disparities and improving collaboration, the paper aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of food rescue initiatives, ultimately reducing food waste and improving societal well-being. Key research questions explore the impact of for- profit food rescue on non-profit organizations. The Monte Carlo simulation results show that competition between food banks and for-profit organizations significantly reduces food waste, with for-profits acting as a crucial buffer to absorb surplus supply.