Katherine Kennedy, Executive Director
In 2012, I was farming in Douglasville, growing organic fruits, vegetables and eggs to sell in the Atlanta market. Looking to connect with community and get back to my urban farming roots (I started my farming journey in NYC), I was connected with “these two Concrete Jungle guys who just got some land and don’t know what to do with it” by a writer for Atlanta Magazine.
When I visited the two guys (our founders Aubrey and Craig) and their land, I was stunned by the community they had built in just 3 years: a strong network of volunteers doing incredibly difficult manual labor on the farm and with JOY and enthusiasm. The CJ volunteers were working harder than some of the staff on my farm–and for no pay! In that moment, I knew that Concrete Jungle had built something special–a place for people to gather, have fun, get to know one another all while serving their neighbors.
The Concrete Jungle farm, lovingly known as Doghead Farm, is in its 14th growing season and it’s still a place of community, fun, and plenty of hard work. Doghead grows several thousand pounds of produce each year to donate to hunger relief agencies and engages over 400 volunteers each year. It’s a hands-on classroom for school, community, and corporate groups to learn about food waste and food insecurity—and a way for us to grow exactly what the families we serve want to eat. Last year, we purchased the farm, ensuring it will remain part of the CJ story for years to come.
Want to be part of the Doghead Farm community? Check out our upcoming volunteer opportunities. And to celebrate our Sweet 16, join us for our big birthday bash at Goat Farm Arts Center on November 2!