We are spotlighting Madeline Baer, our Inventory and Logistics Manager! She first learned of Concrete Jungle by volunteering with our Athens branch while attending the University of Georgia, where she studied Culinary and Nutrition Sciences.
Madeline has always shared CJ’s passion for preventing food waste. Before joining us first as a PEEL Coordinator, Madeline worked in the restaurant industry and witnessed firsthand the sheer volume of food wasted daily: “Working in restaurants, you see how excess and imperfect food goes to waste all the time. Working at Concrete Jungle, it’s just been a lot easier to do what I’ve already been doing on a smaller scale—sharing food with my community and educating them as much as possible.”
When a friend mentioned our Atlanta branch at a Friendsgiving dinner, Madeline jumped on the opportunity to share produce professionally. “I honestly thought it was too good to be true. There’s no way this is a job I can do!” She’s dedicated to making sure our produce shipments end up in the hands of those in need—“Because there’s always so many people that need food. So just really just finding the right person to distribute it, find the right person to make it easier for people.”
Her favorite Concrete Jungle memory was during a PEEL event at an elementary school, where she educated kids on the importance of eating fresh produce: “We showed them how there’s ways to incorporate veggies into everyday things. It was super special because I believe 100% that food education should be implemented from day one in schools.”
When she’s not diverting excess produce you can catch her paddle boarding, cooking meals for her friends, or hanging out at the farmer’s market. In terms of her preferred produce, Madeline loves kale and enjoys strawberries (almost) as much.
We appreciate all the hard work Madeline has put into Concrete Jungle and are so lucky to have her!