According to reports from food bank networks such as Feeding America, the European Foodbank Federation, and the Global Food Banking Network, as well as the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to food systems worldwide. As a result, many food rescue organizations are facing declining numbers of donors and volunteers. To respond to these challenges, food banks and food pantries should consider rethinking their operational logistics and exploring data-driven approaches to optimize their efficiency, as recommended by Huang et al. (2021). The application of blockchain features, such as real-time data sharing, end-to-end traceability, and data-driven decision-making to food recovery and distribution systems could have a profound effect on their efficiency and effectiveness (ibid). In this paper, we aim to analyze the impact of using blockchain technology in the food supply chain and for volunteer management, starting with the study of successful case studies, such as the agreement between the Banco Alimentare della Lombardia association and the Regusto digital platform. By investigating such cases, our paper aims to identify key success factors, challenges, and opportunities that can guide the implementation of blockchain technology in food recovery and distribution systems. The overall research project takes a mixed methods approach, starting with in-depth interviews with managers of food bank organizations and digital platform providers to identify the key issues of using blockchain technology for food recovery and distribution systems. The findings from these interviews will inform the next stage of the study, a comparative survey of food rescue organizations from various countries. The research objective is to provide insights for the application and development of blockchain technology in food recovery and distribution, capture the perspectives of stakeholders, and identify possible effects on organizational performance, all with the aim of increasing social impact.
Blockchain technology in food recovery and distribution: social impact and volunteer management
Berardi, L.
;Damavandi, S.;
2023-01-01
Abstract
According to reports from food bank networks such as Feeding America, the European Foodbank Federation, and the Global Food Banking Network, as well as the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to food systems worldwide. As a result, many food rescue organizations are facing declining numbers of donors and volunteers. To respond to these challenges, food banks and food pantries should consider rethinking their operational logistics and exploring data-driven approaches to optimize their efficiency, as recommended by Huang et al. (2021). The application of blockchain features, such as real-time data sharing, end-to-end traceability, and data-driven decision-making to food recovery and distribution systems could have a profound effect on their efficiency and effectiveness (ibid). In this paper, we aim to analyze the impact of using blockchain technology in the food supply chain and for volunteer management, starting with the study of successful case studies, such as the agreement between the Banco Alimentare della Lombardia association and the Regusto digital platform. By investigating such cases, our paper aims to identify key success factors, challenges, and opportunities that can guide the implementation of blockchain technology in food recovery and distribution systems. The overall research project takes a mixed methods approach, starting with in-depth interviews with managers of food bank organizations and digital platform providers to identify the key issues of using blockchain technology for food recovery and distribution systems. The findings from these interviews will inform the next stage of the study, a comparative survey of food rescue organizations from various countries. The research objective is to provide insights for the application and development of blockchain technology in food recovery and distribution, capture the perspectives of stakeholders, and identify possible effects on organizational performance, all with the aim of increasing social impact.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
