Concrete Jungle has always followed possibility wherever it leads—the scent of fermenting apples in the air, a random Google Maps pin, or a friend-of-a-friend’s rumor: “My aunt’s neighbor said there’s a persimmon tree on Peachtree.”
Over the years, we’ve followed our noses, ears, and hearts to uncover an incredible bounty: 14.1 million servings of delicious but neglected produce. One of our favorite stories of discovery takes us to the mountains of north Georgia—and marks the beginning of what we now call our Adventure Pick program.
Years ago, our founder Aubrey Daniels got a call: “I’m playing golf at this place called Apple Mountain Golf Course, and, sure enough it IS an apple mountain!” Intrigued, Aubrey and co-founder Craig hopped in the truck and headed to Clarkesville, GA.
The pros at the golf course were skeptical, “You want THESE apples?” But our persistent founders convinced the staff that apple removal would be beneficial for the course, and the plan was in motion.
On the day of the pick, Aubrey and Craig couldn’t believe how many folks came together to pick. Borrowing golf carts, the group scattered across the 18 holes. Within a matter of hours, they had filled 3 truckbeds of apples–the most apples the CJ crew had ever harvested at one time.
What Aubrey and Craig remember most from this day is being so surprised. They were surprised how many volunteers showed up, how many apples they were able to harvest, and how folks wanted to stick around afterwards to eat watermelon and hike.
Now, 16 years later, Concrete Jungle is still full of surprises. We’re constantly amazed by our farmer partners’ generosity, our volunteers’ resilience (especially in the Georgia heat), and the growing need for the work we do.Right now, one surprise stands out above the rest: the sharp rise in food insecurity as support for hunger relief agencies dwindles. Concrete Jungle has built a creative, effective response to this crisis—and we hope you’ll stand with us to meet this urgent need. Sign up to volunteer, make a donation, or buy a ticket to our Sweet 16 celebration—every dollar helps us recover more fresh produce for families in need.