The BananaBox Approach

  • Good data doesn't replace lived experience—it amplifies it. The right systems help clarify what’s working, where to grow, and how to share your impact.

  • Big change requires big context. Projects are rooted in systems thinking and equity, with attention to root causes, community power, and long-term sustainability.

  • The goal? Tools and strategies built for the moment—and sturdy enough to adapt as things evolve. Think banana box: built for bananas, but still useful for moving.

  • Strategy only sticks if the people doing the work are part of the process. Planning, evaluation, and design are all co-created—with your team, your partners, and your community in mind.

Thoughtful strategy, practical implementation, and real-world results.

BananaBox Consulting helps nonprofits and food system leaders build programs that work, tell their stories with data, and grow with intention—not just urgency.

“After the pandemic, formulating the strategic direction and assessment of The Salem Pantry’s role within the regional food safety net was imperative. Working collaboratively with BananaBox Consulting has allowed us to create a robust 3-year plan that we are confident in to support the North Shore and Essex County.”
— Robyn Burns, Executive Director Salem Food Pantry

Core Services

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Program Development Support

You’ve got a big idea for a program or a business, but need help moving from idea to action? BananaBox helps clarify and build the system to move forward through:

  • Experienced concise building facilitation

  • Values-based system development

  • Flexible work plans and toolkits

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Strategic Planning

Is it time to figure out whats next? BananaBox can help clarify and define your next strategy through:

  • Strategic planning tailored to the organizational life stage

  • A collaborative process to move your team from challenges to solutions

  • Resulting in comprehensive work plans with custom-built KPI dashboards

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Measurement & Evaluation

Data systems don’t have to be overwhelming or an organizational drain. BananaBox helps design tools that make sense for your team—and help tell your story.

  • Accessible KPIs and evaluation plans

  • Lightweight, repeatable data collection

  • Meaningful metrics for funders, staff, and community

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Facilitation Services

Good process makes all the difference. BananaBox designs and facilitates inclusive, thoughtful conversations that lead to shared understanding and real decisions.

  • Designing and facilitating retreats, workshops, or planning sessions

  • Creating structured, values-aligned decision-making processes

  • Navigating tension and building alignment across diverse stakeholders

Crates of harvested corn arranged on dirt in a farm field with a cornfield and trees in the background.

Food Recovery Support

Food Recovery is BananaBox’s bread and butter (pun intended). Whether you are an established emergency food provider looking to add more recovered food into your system, are interested in starting a food recovery project in your community, or are working through a challenging food recovery problem, BananaBox is here to help with:

  • Designing or refining food recovery and food hub models

  • Developing volunteer systems and partner outreach

  • Creating simple, effective tracking tools

  • Navigating food safety, donor communication, and scaling with dignity

  • Food waste and composting workshops

Ready to Talk?

Start with a free 30-minute call—no pitch, just a chance to talk through what’s going on and what support might look like.