Document Type
Thesis or dissertation
Date of this Version
2020
Advisor
Witold Henisz
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether a proposed program with the goal of mitigating child hunger in North Philadelphia would be desirable, or accepted by key stakeholders, and feasible, meaning financially viable to implement. The program being considered is grocery stores selling to daycares, at a discounted price, excess edible and redistributable produce to be distributed to the children enrolled in the daycare, providing them with fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables. To determine whether the proposed program is desirable, a qualitative analysis was completed on a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with representatives of relevant stakeholder groups in the community. A cost-benefit analysis of the proposed program, assessing two different versions of the initiative, was conducted in order to determine its feasibility. The results of the analyses show that the program is desirable, being viewed positively by a majority of the stakeholder groups interviewed. Similarly, the proposed program was determined to be feasible overall. However, both versions of the program are only feasible for large grocery retailers, with only one of the versions being financially feasible for small- to medium-sized grocers. These results indicate that the program may be considered further, however several logistical and promotional challenges would need to be addressed prior to its possible application.
Keywords
child hunger, philadelphia, food reallocation, food waste, social impact, produce, surplus food, excess food, circularity, food disposal
Included in
Advertising and Promotion Management Commons, Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Business Law, Public Responsibility, and Ethics Commons, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Commons, Food Studies Commons, Nonprofit Administration and Management Commons, Operations and Supply Chain Management Commons, Other Business Commons, Strategic Management Policy Commons
Date Posted: 20 May 2020