The process or people? Overcoming the challenges of food waste and insecurity in a wide brown land

There is more food waste in Australia than can reach hungry people. Not-for-profit (NFP) organisations collect food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it to needy people through a network of partnering charities. Despite the potential to increase capacity, enhancing the processes involved is complex. The literature focusing on unique challenges associated with the distribution side of the food relief supply chain is incomplete. 

This research seeks to understand the challenges faced by NFPs when enhancing their capacity and engagement. We have used Foodbank and its partnering charities as a case study. This involved collecting data from documents and 12 semi-structured interviews. We incorporated three theories to identify key operational and interpersonal challenges and present associated propositions.