Abstract

Introduction: Food banks face pressure to support an increasing number of food-insecure individuals, and to increase operational efficiency. This study reviewed the role of ordering systems in a food bank through a literature review and analysis of past ordering data. Methods: A literature review was conducted on the role of food ordering systems on efficient food delivery. Order data were categorized by month, county, and product category to assess transaction patterns. Analyses involved total pounds of food received by each county and a formula to calculate the percent of food insecure individuals served by county. Additional analyses compared items that were free to agencies vs for a cost, categorized by county, and product category. An ANOVA test examined differences in costs of product categories between counties. An Analysis of means (ANOM) identified significant differences in group means by county, product category, and month. Results: The case study highlighted inefficient naming and quantity measurements while literature highlighted delivery routing and supply chain unpredictability. In 9 out of 10 counties the estimated mean percentage of the food-insecure population served was over 75%, with Monroe County receiving the most items over the 8-month period. The ratio of free to paid items was not associated with food insecurity rates, although two counties with higher food insecurity received a higher ratio of free items. Cheaper items such as produce were more likely to be distributed for free. The highest number of transactions occurred from November through February. Cost differences were significant for all product categories except miscellaneous. Conclusions: Key gaps identified include data presentation (nomenclature and units of measure), delivery routing efficiency, and value chain analysis of the food supply chain. Addressing these gaps will enhance efficiency and guide data-driven decision-making in food banks.

Publication Date

7-29-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Health and Well-being Management (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition

College

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Advisor

Brenda Ariba Z. Abu

Advisor/Committee Member

Carly Metcalfe

Advisor/Committee Member

Elizabeth Ruder

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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