On the equity-efficiency trade-off in food-bank network operations

In this paper, we present a novel modelling perspective to the food-bank donation allocation problem under equity and efficiency performance measures. Using penalty factor in objective function, our model explicitly accounts for both equity, simultaneously. We give tightest lower upper bounds of factor, which can conveniently characterize closed-form optimal solutions perfect cases. Testing on full spectrum using real data from Feeding America, demonstrate that dominate those benchmark literature terms efficiency, utilization (utiloquity). Our sensitivity analysis demonstrates society should put its priority helping eliminate poverty before investing capacity expansions charity organizations like food-banks. This will ensure adding more network always lead decrease price On other hand, observed encouraging towards charitability is beneficial food-banks, albeit with diminishing returns. Finally, experiments reducing poverty, as most important element achieving higher dependent demand variability, opposed average level demand.