On the Caterer Problem

In the present paper, the Caterer Problem is shown to be equivalent to a Hitchcock Distribution Problem [Hitchcock, F. L. 1941. The distribution of a product from several sources to numerous locations. J. Math. Phys.20 224–230.] with a very special cost matrix. For the case q = p − 1, a simple procedure taking advantage of this fact is developed and shown to yield Jacobs' solution. The possible extension of the procedure to the case p − q > 1 is illustrated by a numerical example.