Growing Wealth & Wellness in West Virginia with WV-grown Food.
CMI & JCS Partner to Feed Students Local Food
Community Markets Inc. and Jefferson County Schools Partner to Feed 500 Students Through Local Food Backpack Program
Jefferson County, WV — Community Markets Inc. (CMI) and Jefferson County Schools (JCS) are proud to announce the continuation of their impactful partnership through the Local Food Backpack Program, a collaborative initiative designed to provide healthy, locally-sourced food to 500 underserved K–12 students across Jefferson County.
Now in its second year, the Local Food Backpack Program delivers nutritious, shelf-stable grocery items to students who may otherwise face food insecurity at home. The backpacks include sharable, locally made items such as a pack of homemade dinner rolls, a jar of fresh jam, a honey bear, locally produced applesauce, and a small loaf of zucchini bread — all thoughtfully selected for their portability, nutrition, and flavor.
“CMI is very grateful to Jefferson County Schools and Kilmer’s Farm Market for their partnership,” said Mark Peiffer, Operations Manager at Community Markets Inc. “Being able to provide hundreds of students and their families with excellent-tasting, nutritious food grown by our neighborhood farmers is a real highlight for our nonprofit.”
Through its strong ties to regional farmers and food entrepreneurs, CMI ensures the program not only nourishes families but also supports the local food economy. This initiative reflects a shared commitment between CMI and JCS to prioritize student well-being and food equity through innovative, community-based solutions.
About Community Markets Inc.
Community Markets Inc. (“CMI”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Shepherdstown, WV whose mission is to connect locally grown food to families in need.
To learn more about Community Markets Inc., make a tax-deductible donation, or get involved as a volunteer, visit www.communitymarketsinc.org.
Follow CMI on Facebook at facebook.com/CommunityMarketsInc and watch the first episode of Meet Your Market on their YouTube channel.
About Jefferson County Schools, W.Va.
The mission of Jefferson County Schools is: “Through excellence in teaching and learning, Jefferson County Schools will ensure that all students value themselves and others, contribute to their community and succeed in a global society.” Jefferson County Schools represents one of the top academic districts in the state of West Virginia. The district includes 16 schools, employs more than 1,100 staff members and enrolls more than 8,200 students. Visit www.jcswv.org to learn more about Jefferson County Schools.
Media Contacts:
Community Markets Inc.
Mark Peiffer, Operations Manager
mark.peiffer@communitymarketsinc.org
Jefferson County Schools
Kelcie Springer, Director of Communications & Public Information
kelcie.springer@k12.wv.us