Food banks as a social innovation initiative: A comparison of social enterprise models between Indonesia and Malaysia

Abstract

The rate of food loss and waste in Indonesia and Malaysia is increasing in line with the pace of consumption. However, hunger persists and must be addressed. Food banks are charitable organizations that donate extra food to those who cannot afford to buy it. The purpose of this study is to examine the business models and external environment of food banks, as well as to create recommendations for developing and optimizing food banks in Indonesia. The study used a qualitative method. The research sample was chosen to represent both countries. The social enterprise model canvas was used to evaluate the business model typology of a social organization. The findings revealed that there were many types of food bank institutions, but there was no political, economic, or legal support for the development of a food bank. The food banks' business models required the establishment of policy frameworks and legal protection for food banks, models for food bank institutions, capacity building for food bank institutions and their managers, and support for social culture through various initiatives. Food banks in both countries had different strategy to develop their social innovation initiative.