Efficient and Fair Allocation of Food Donations

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals envisage halving food waste by 2030. A goal to which the German Tafel food banks can make a significant contribution also by optimising the distribution of food donations. We analyse the potential of a cost-neutral exchange of surplus donations between the distribution points of the Berliner Tafel, based on real-time data. This exchange helps, on the one hand, to ensure that the consumption needs of Tafel clients are covered at an average rate of 50%, and on the other hand, to avoid surpluses and thus save food. The proposal is in line with the goals of the Tafel – “Save food. Help people“ – by taking into account both allocative efficiency and fairness.