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.