A Model for a Circular Food Supply Chain Using Metro Infrastructure for Quito’s Food Bank Network

Ariadna Sandoya (), Jorge Chicaiza-Vaca, Fernando Sandoya and Benjamín Barán
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Ariadna Sandoya: College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
Jorge Chicaiza-Vaca: L 3 E—Logistics Living Lab–Ecuador, Ecuadorian Freight Transportation and Logistics Chamber, Quito 170512, Ecuador
Fernando Sandoya: Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Vía Perimetral km 30.5, Guayaquil 2025, Ecuador
Benjamín Barán: School of Technology and Applied Science, Comunera University, Dr. Juan Eulogio Estigarribia, Asunción 001412, Paraguay

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-21

Abstract: The increasing disparity in global food distribution has amplified the urgency of addressing food waste and food insecurity, both of which exacerbate economic, environmental, and social inequalities. Traditional food bank models often struggle with logistical inefficiencies, limited accessibility, and a lack of transparency in food distribution, hindering their effectiveness in mitigating these challenges. This study proposes a novel Food Bank Network Redesign (FBNR) that leverages the Quito Metro system to create a decentralized food bank network, enhancing efficiency and equity in food redistribution by introducing strategically positioned donation lockers at metro stations for convenient drop-offs, with donations transported using spare metro capacity to designated stations for collection by charities, reducing reliance on dedicated transportation. To ensure transparency and operational efficiency, we integrate a blockchain-based traceability system with smart contracts, enabling secure, real-time tracking of donations to enhance stakeholder trust, prevent food loss, and ensure regulatory compliance. We develop a multi-objective optimization framework that balances food waste reduction, transportation cost minimization, and social impact maximization, supported by a mixed-integer linear programming (MIP) model to optimize donation allocation based on urban demand patterns. By combining decentralized logistics, blockchain-enhanced traceability, and advanced optimization techniques, this study offers a scalable and adaptable framework for urban food redistribution, improving food security in Quito while providing a replicable blueprint for cities worldwide seeking to implement circular and climate-resilient food supply chains.

Keywords: multi-criteria decision making; smart transportation systems; smart logistics; integrated passenger freight transportation; blockchain; food banks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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