In the fight against food insecurity, malnutrition and hunger FoodForward SA (FFSA) has partnered with two leading South African and international Universities to ensure that our innovative foodbanking model remains relevant, accurate and cost-effective.
Optimising Supply Chain and Facility Operations
The University of Stellenbosch’s Department of Industrial Engineering (USDIE) is currently conducting four research projects with our organisation. The first project relates to the optimisation of our supply chain network, using the data collected from our extensive logistics operation.
The study has created a simulation model, currently in the testing phase, that should allow us to accurately predict the cost of expanding our footprint into rural and underserved communities, allowing for more cost-effective logistics and lower costs per meal.
At 46c per meal, our foodbanking model is among the most cost-effective in the world.
Similarly, the second research project is also an optimisation model, but this time focused on facility operations and locations, using a mathematical model to minimise the cost of operations, maximise the net carbon savings from food recovery and, most importantly, maximise the net social benefits due to our existence.
Performance Metrics and Environmental Impact
The third study being undertaken by USDIE is focused on creating a robust performance evaluation and reporting framework, aligned to our governance framework. Creating a set of standardised performance and reporting parameters and ensuring that all beneficiary data meet the necessary legal clearances for use.
The final research project will explore the feasibility of carbon credits, based on FFSA’s innovative food recovery and redistribution model, which is seen as a novel climate adaptation and mitigation strategy for the management of food loss and waste.