Challenges, coping mechanisms, and solutions in surplus food redistribution efforts at the city level

This paper focuses on surplus food redistribution efforts at the municipal level in three distinct EU cities (Milan, Mechelen, and Oulu) to uncover prevalent challenges, and subsequent coping mechanisms and solutions in carrying out these initiatives. The most numerous challenges relate to logistics and infrastructure, specifically how to: (1) effectively cover numerous collection and redistribution locations; (2) facilitate more effective supply-demand matching; and (3) ensure access to necessary infrastructure, such as physical distribution locations and temperature controlled vehicles. Other key challenges entail the management of a fluctuating workforce, tackling diminishing or unstable financial support, and the lack of policy and clear guidance in facilitating food redistribution. The solutions and coping mechanisms rely on diverse tools and actions, predominantly: (1) incorporation of spatial mapping and digital software into the planning and implementation of the redistribution intervention; (2) diversification of revenue streams; (3) strengthening collaboration and communication (on issues such as the volume and type of food redistributed) among actors in the redistribution network; (4) providing systematic skills and professional development training to staff; and (5) working with local government to increase policy support and guidance to streamline and mainstream food redistribution efforts.