The Evolution of the Diet Model in Managing Food Systems

The electronic revolution in food-systems management began in the '60s with the formulation of the least-cost-meals mathematical programming model. This model served as the basis for the CAMP (Computer Assisted Menu Planning) software developed for mainframe computers. Over the next two decades, researchers introduced techniques for incorporating food preferences into menu planning. Mini- and micro-computer software emerged. Since the early '60s, managers have used mathematical programming to enhance cost and nutrition control and to increase consumer satisfaction.