# A Game Theoretic Framework for Surplus Food Distribution in Smart Cities and Beyond
## 1 Introduction
### Related Work
#### 1.1.1 Literature Review
However, this unique approach requires additional infrastructure and strict measures when compared to the simple surplus redistribution process, as noted by the study. The environmental impact of food redistribution from donation to consumption against that of alternative options such as landfilling and composting has been discussed [38]. Although the facts favoured composting, a better optimized food redistribution utilizing benefits of using the other alternative options in the process seemed to be a win-win solution for the future. Dynamic pricing of perishable goods [39] and better inventory policies for items whose prices are dependant on the item's remaining shelf-life [40] have been shown to benefit both revenue generation and waste reduction, making them attractive choices. In fact, models have been studied for items having different expiry dates and buyers opting for different items based on item costs and expiry dates [41]. The study [42] accepts that the unwise and inefficient use of food resources has rendered us in need for a transition towards sustainable practices. The study explores this transition towards a circular food system and discusses the problems and probable solutions for each stage of food production. The three phases of handling surplus food waste, namely, prevention, recovery, and recycling, have been highlighted [43]. This takes the utilization of surplus food waste to beyond human consumption. This paper also states that holistic changes in food production methods are the best approach towards sustainability in the long run. The results of ICT application to the various stages of food wastage have been studied, as previously stated [5]. Different features added to the base ICT platform attracted agents at different stages to participate in the surplus redistribution movement. However, low recoverability of food at the household level was noted as well. ICT solutions have also been identified [44] for efficiency through monitoring and assessment of environmental impact, enhanced transparency and traceability in the food system, and creation of a network between actors in the food chains to influence and change food practices. Multiple case studies have been explored to provide available surplus management options and the factors that make these options attractive and applicable [45]. The results of this study suggest the availability of several food redistribution options that are applicable over the recoverable window of food items. Certain recommendations were made for the improvement of food redistribution [46]. They recommend a systems operator at the national level to coordinate redistribution activities, proper food redistribution guidelines that cover safety and efficacy of the activity, sufficient funding for the same, and prioritizing food redistribution. The research [47] compares a food redistribution environment with and without a food bank and evaluates the effects of a food bank on the environment and the finance of the participants of the activity. The study establishes the superiority of having a food bank in the picture on both the parameters mentioned above. _Re-Food_ ([[https://www.re-food.org/en](https://www.re-food.org/en)]([https://www.re-food.org/en](https://www.re-food.org/en)), accessed on 4 January 2021), a Portuguese food redistributor, has been studied [48] and it was found that logistic related issues stop it from fully eliminating food waste. The study also notes that the firm brings together people from different stages of the redistribution activity to adhere to a common cause that is the local elimination of food waste and hunger issues. There is research [49] on mathematical models of food circulation by food banks to analyze and optimize the effective and equitable distribution of food, i.e., food distributed to each service area should be proportional to the demand of food in that service area.