A multi-objective approach for strategic resource allocation in Brazilian food banks

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute to the 2nd United Nations sustainable development goal, specifically the targets of tackling hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition. For this purpose, a multi-objective model is developed to enhance strategic resource allocation in Brazilian food banks. In numerous instances, managers of food banks are confronted with the task of allocating resources to serve the most disadvantaged social institutions, whilst ensuring an equitable, efficient, and effective distribution of food. This paper hence formulates an extended goal programming (EGP) model to devise enhanced strategies for food allocation amongst a set of institutional demand points served by a food bank. A clustering methodology is applied in order to effectively group the institutions. A pairwise comparison methodology is utilised to derive the individual weights of each institution. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis is then undertaken including the cluster level weights and the EGP Alpha parameter than controls the mix of equity and efficiency in the model. The methodology is applied to a case study of a food bank serving 41 institutions in the Brazilian city of Botucatu. The results are analysed in the both in the context of methodology and of the application and conclusions are drawn.