# A Game Theoretic Framework for Surplus Food Distribution in Smart Cities and Beyond
## 1 Introduction
### Related Work
#### 1.1.1 Literature Review
There also has been research [18] on a specific South African mobile app named _Food for Us_ ([[http://foodforus.co.za/](http://foodforus.co.za/)]([http://foodforus.co.za/](http://foodforus.co.za/)), accessed on 24 December 2020). This app works on providing food to those in need and allowing small-scale producers to get their produce to markets. This paper reveals the need for developing a strong social networked system built around technological platforms such as this app to help find alternate markets for unsold farm produce. A valuable lesson is provided in [19] by contrasting images between different food handling practices. The study termed food as \"an instigator and a tool\" that helps in learning and re-learning health, happiness, and ecology related impacts. The study pondered on the need to know and pay attention to the details that help differentiate between food and waste. Food redistribution has been portrayed as a double-edged sword to fight against food insecurity and food waste [20]. The study discusses the efficacy of the anti-waste/pro-donation law of Italy in addressing both food waste and insecurity. It also points out that its effectiveness lies in bringing together the different actors in the food management process for tackling the food insecurity issue. The study notes the potential tensions that may soon be realized due to the use of different paths for food surplus utilization. The same concept encourages some people to donate expiring food items charitably, while others sell it at a discounted price. The concept of a peer-to-peer (P2P) food sharing system based on high internet usage and people interested in food sharing is well-studied [21]. This study acts as a base to identify future P2P food collection and redistribution zones and the actors they can attract. The creation and accumulation of networks of sharing individuals, as well as how digital platforms can aid in the scaling of such an approach keeping in mind the sustainability of such initiatives, has been assessed [22]. The scenario of sharing food in cities has also been directly assessed [23] and viewed as a field of experimentation and innovation. The study identifies places, leading approaches, common trends and notions that are involved and provides a basis for future research. Adequate pricing for items having unpredictable demand and time-dependent usability has been observed as an interesting strategy leading to waste reduction [24]. It has been recognised [25] that ICTs do contribute towards a smoother transformation to sustainable food systems by increasing resource productivity, reducing inefficiencies, decreasing management costs, and improving food chain coordination. As a matter of fact,the contribution of ICT in the redistribution of surplus prepared or cooked food, which have a very short window of recoverability before they spoil, has been observed [16]. This study remarks on the ability of ICT-based platforms to rapidly locate surplus receivers who can put this food to good use. The study also examines how communities having different goals for food redistribution cooperate in implementing ICT-mediated solutions in food sharing activities. While it clearly highlights the scaling of new horizons by the use of ICTs, it also alerts about the moral hazards and social regulations that form around the redistribution of surplus food. Food sharing practices have been termed as \"messy\" [26] emphasizing that it includes diverse ranges of participants and practices that also vary over space and time and are connected via both physical and virtual platforms (ICTs). As stated previously, it is pointed out that an ICT intervention resulted in the recovery of surplus food at all stages of food production [6]. However, maximum recovery was noted in the retail stage. The study also credited the faster movement of surplus in ICT-mediated redistribution. The urban food sharing habits and activities, including provision, consumption and redistribution of food, have been thoroughly studied by them as well.