While growing the Produce Buyers Club program, building relationships with the food pantries is crucial. It is important to establish a relationship with the organizations. Concrete Jungle uses the following ways to build relationships: 

• Establish Connection: The first part of building relationships is establishing connection. Start by asking, “What does this organization want from the Concrete Jungle?” Mainly the answer to this question is: fresh produce for distribution. Establish common ground. What does this organization have in common with Concrete Jungle? Can Concrete Jungle help reach their mission? 

• Learn About the Organization: One of the most important parts of building a relationship and to maintain that relationship is to learn about the organization. The more you know, the better you can serve them. Learn when their distributions are, who are they distributing to, what are their challenges, what is their pride and joy. When looking at the organization ask, “What can Concrete Jungle do for this organization?” 

• Communication: Effective communication is the answer and best friend of any good relationship. While there are many moving parts in logistics of fresh produce, always having good communication will help alleviate issues as they arise. Having a good communication stream between the organization and you will greatly benefit when there are issues, but also when there is last minute produce that needs a home or produce that needs to be moved very quickly. 
• Celebrate Success: Last but not least, celebrate with one another. Without their relationship of purchasing produce from Concrete Jungle, poundage goals would not have been met. Recognize how important relationships really are between the organizations and celebrate it. Go to lunch, have a produce pantry party, do what feels right to acknowledge the success between the two relationships.