Abstract

This study presents a heuristic approach designed to address the challenges encountered by non-profit hunger relief organizations in managing diverse donations, both monetary and in-kind. Focused on optimizing food procurement, the model strategically allocates limited donor funds, considering constraints such as donor restrictions, product perishability, and warehouse capacity. In contrast to the computationally intensive nature of mathematical optimization, the proposed heuristic prioritizes practical efficiency, acknowledging the complexities of real-world scenarios. Implemented through a multi-period, multi-product deterministic optimization model, the heuristic, known as Greedy Allocation, contributes to informed decision-making for non-profit organizations, enhancing the efficiency and impact of food distribution. A comparative analysis demonstrates the heuristic's efficacy in achieving near-optimal nutritional value allocation, offering valuable insights for practical implementation in dynamic scenarios. Ultimately, this research contributes to the vital cause of hunger relief by providing a strategic tool for fund allocation in non-profit organizations.