Food Donation Platform

The concurrent challenges of global food waste and localized food insecurity necessitate innovative, technology-driven solutions. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature concerning the design and implementation of digital platforms that connect food donors with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community kitchens, and individuals in need. The primary objective is to synthesize existing knowledge on system architectures, key functionalities, and evaluation frameworks to propose a robust design for a comprehensive food donation platform. The review scope encompasses an analysis of existing platforms, the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for logistics, blockchain for transparency, and models for donor engagement. Significant gaps are identified, including challenges in last-mile logistics for remote areas, handling perishable goods, and integrating with public policy. The paper subsequently outlines critical system design considerations, including functional and non-functional requirements, a proposed modular architecture, and algorithms for matching and routing. Furthermore, a framework for evaluating platform success is proposed, incorporating metrics such as matching success rate, quantity of food recovered, and donor retention. The review concludes that a well-designed, multi-stakeholder platform can significantly reduce food waste and enhance food security, provided it addresses logistical, technological, and ethical concerns through thoughtful design and strategic partnerships.