  In this paper we study the simultaneous problems of food waste and hunger in
the context of the possible solution of food (waste) rescue and redistribution.
To this end, we develop an empirical model that can be used in Monte Carlo
simulations to study the dynamics of the underlying problem. Our model's
parameters are derived from a unique data set provided by a large food bank and
food rescue organization in north central Colorado. We find that food supply is
a non-parametric heavy-tailed process that is well-modeled with an extreme
value peaks-over-threshold model. Although the underlying process is
stochastic, the basic approach of food rescue and redistribution appears to be
feasible both at small and large scales. The ultimate efficacy of this model is
intimately tied to the rate at which food expires and hence the ability to
preserve and quickly transport and redistribute food. The cost of the
redistribution is tied to the number and density of participating suppliers,
and costs can be reduced (and supply increased) simply by recruiting additional
donors to participate. Our results show that with sufficient funding and
manpower, a significant amount of food can be rescued from the waste stream and
used to feed the hungry.
