# A Game Theoretic Framework for Surplus Food Distribution in Smart Cities and Beyond
## 1 Introduction
### Related Work
#### 1.1.1 Literature Review
The concept of food redistribution and the principles that follow it have been put forward [50], and the food redistribution activities have been analyzed on that basis. This paper also suggested that encouragement for food businesses to donate the surplus they generate is an important step in handling the reducing surplus production of food. A Norwegian study [51] took the solution of food waste generation to beyond human redistribution and consumption. The study included approaches such as fodder for animals, biogas generation, and even compost. This stretches the utility of surplus beyond products for human consumption. However, it identified food redistribution as the most sustainable and appropriate approach for handling the surplus. One study [52] carried out in Finland calculated the number of cooked meals at up to 10,000 a year, and that of redistributed food bags as up to 270,000 bags a year by one organization, from donated surplus or redistributed food. This study suggested a possibility of improvement in food waste reduction strategies of the country. Government policies have been analyzed [53] with respect to handling food waste generation and overall people welfare and categorized them into policies that help achieve a relationship between both the above goals and that help achieve one of them while degrading the situation for the other. The study pointed out that there are policies that are categorized into both the above mentioned types. Thus, as it is inferred in the study, public health needs to be the main consideration when designing policies for food waste reduction and management. Food rescue has been highlighted [54] as an initiative in the emergency food sector internationally in an attempt to reduce food waste and to improve supplies to providers and consumers. The steps through which food producers recover and donate their surplus food for redistribution to the food banks have been brought into light [55]. Although the research only covers Italy, it still provides valuable insights into the visceral operations of food organizations that relate to their tax savings, waste management, and society rapport. While accepting surplus food redistribution as a key solution to food waste reduction, one step ahead has been taken [56] by also suggesting a model for surplus food generation and management. The study also shows how to use this model to pinpoint food wastage mitigation options. Although food banks are a successful concept in the food management process, it has been noted that the government does not track its usage [57]. Although many conclude on several welfare reforms being the reason for the growth of food banks, the government is poised on their say that there is no strong evidence to suggest that. The study [58] covers the food redistribution systems that existed in China at around 200 BC. Through archaeological evidence, it documents that food was redistributed by the emperor to the subjects in various forms and notes the different dietary conditions of people at diverse status in the society. This study notes discrepancies between the passed regulation and the actuation of the redistribution process. The study also studied the redistribution to the those in need and noted a bias towards saving physically capable farmers rather than addressing to the needs of the economically endangered ones. It also sheds light on an exceptional method of redistribution used by the rulers to feed people of inferior status through least leftovers. Another study [59] proposes a model to maximize the economical benefits of food redistribution for the retail donor organizations. The model suggests optimal time for withdrawing food items from shelves for redistribution and also donation quantities for human and livestock consumption such that retailer profit is maximized.