Since the founding of the Athens branch in 2019, Concrete Jungle Athens is a nonprofit organization that tackles food security and food waste within the Athens-Clarke County (ACC) area. It works through organizing volunteers to help glean unwanted produce from farms and partnering with local grocery stores and organizations to pick up produce that isn’t likely to be sold. It is on track to exceed last year’s donations by 20% through new partnerships like the recent connection with Abby Jackson of Blackhawkflyfishing and Abby J's Gourmet. Abby Jackson is a “Georgia Grown” entrepreneur and “Flavor of Georgia” award winner who is hosting Concrete Jungle Athens for a root vegetable pick on November 14th.. All the produce gathered will be donated to the Foodbank of Northeast of Georgia.

These partnerships and progress are vital considering federal legislative reductions to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Reductions in these programs disproportionately affect ACC as roughly a quarter of its population is under the poverty line living within food deserts. And while ACC has a variety of other organizations focused on food security, Concrete Jungle also focuses on getting residents fresh and healthy produce, minimizing food waste, and developing community around local food.

As a global community we produce enough food to feed everyone on the planet, however many still go hungry and food waste is a top contributor to climate change. By introducing circularity to the ACC food system, Concrete Jungle has not only redistributed 23,414 pounds of produce that would have gone to waste, but has prevented 5.88 million metric tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere this year alone.

The nonprofit also works to preserve the dignity of clients who receive donations and build up ACC food systems. Through Produce Education & Enjoyment Loop (PEEL) workshops and resources, clients are shown how to use different forms of produce gleaned to ensure it’s not going to waste after distribution. We also give back to local farmers and producers who allow us to glean from their land by providing farmer support workdays.

To learn more about Concrete Jungle Athens upcoming events like the root vegetable pick and its other efforts to reduce food insecurity and waste visit concrete-jungle.org/athens-branch/ or @concretejungleath on Instagram.