Growing Wealth & Wellness in West Virginia with WV-grown Food
www.communitymarketsinc.org
January 2026 News: Strong Start!
Dear Friends of Community Markets Inc.,
Happy 2026! I’m grateful as I look back at last month and those who ensured that Community Markets Inc. finished the year strongly with programming and funding. We surpassed our Year End Appeal goal of $15k – standing at over $17,600 as I write.
CMI is also honored to launch our first Memorial Fund in loving memory of Judith A. de Leon. Food Box Giveaways are also being scheduled this year as early as February. Sponsor a Food Box Giveaway to meaningfully impact our community while exposing your brand and boosting your team’s morale. CMI is also hiring! Learn more and Apply Today HERE!
Here are two easy ways to continue making an impact in January:
- Read & Share Our 2025 Impact Report. See how your support made a difference across West
Virginia last year. Read the Report HERE: www.communitymarketsinc.org/2025-impact-report/
- Shop Local & Affordable at St. Isidore Market. Support WV farmers while accessing fresh & healthy food all winter long. We accept SNAP EBT. Pre Order Fri-Tues HERE: www.saintisidoremarket.com
Thank you for helping CMI finish 2025 strongly and begin 2026 with momentum! There is much to do in 2026. Your continued generosity makes our work possible. Consider becoming a Monthly Donor.
In partnership,
Mark Peiffer, RPO
Operations Manager
Mobile: 703-789-1879
mark.peiffer@communitymarketsinc.org
Read the 2025 CMI Impact Report HERE: www.communitymarketsinc.org/2025-impact-report/
Impact at a Glance
In December 2025 alone, Community Markets Inc. fed over 670 people with 9,725 lbs. of healthy & locally-sourced food, while putting $27,000 back into farmers’ and small family business owners’ pockets.
In three years, Community Markets Inc. has fed 20,500 people in 12 WV counties with 218,600 lbs. of healthy & locally-sourced food, while putting $598,400 back into farmers’ and small family business owners’ pockets.
December 2025 Highlights
Year End Giving Success. CMI closed out 2025 by reaching our $15,000 Year End Giving goal, thanks to dozens of generous donors who stepped up throughout December—especially in the final days of the year. As of January 7 the total amount raised is at $17,617.00 with more trickling in! These funds will help sustain Food Box Giveaways and keep our farmers paid during the winter months when food insecurity is most severe. You can still Donate Now if you didn’t get to.
Many donated to CMI’s Year End Appeal including Jefferson County CEOS. Thank you!!
Memorial Fund Established. CMI is honored to launch the Judith A. de Leon Emergency Food Memorial Fund – the first of its kind – which extends the generosity of Judith de Leon by providing food to families in times of crisis. Read the Press Release HERE to Learn more about the fund and how to apply.
Christmas Food Box Giveaways. The week before Christmas, CMI fed over 670 people between two Giveaways, one in Paw Paw and one in Martinsburg. Our volunteers braved cold, wind, and darkness to ensure that their neighbors received food for Christmas.
Welcome to the CMI Team, Claire Hilbers! We are pleased to welcome Claire Hilbers, who joined the team in December 2025 as a Resource Specialist. Raised in West Virginia, Claire brings a background in social work and human services, with experience in case management, benefits coordination, federally funded programs, and community-based support. She also contributes skills in graphic design and photography, supporting CMI’s outreach and communications efforts. Passionate about food access and community stability, Claire is excited to help strengthen connections that support families and farmers across West Virginia.👉 Read more HERE about Claire and her experience.
CMI in the Community
Partner Networking
Maria & Mark enjoyed a festive networking mixer at Cacapon State Park. Pictured from L to R (Maria, CMI; Susan Caperton with Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation; Penny Porter with United Way – Eastern Panhandle; & Mark, CMI)
CMI in Charles Town/Ranson Christmas Parade
The local apples from Twin Ridge Orchard that we gave out were a HIT!
Thank You, Rotary Club of Charles Town!
Rotary Club of Charles Town made the first donation to CMI for the 2026 Unity Campaign!
Thank you, Milan Puskar Foundation!
The Milan Puskar Foundation’s $15,000 grant award will help feed thousands of hungry West Virginians in 2026. Your partnership is much appreciated!
UPCOMING: JANUARY at Community Markets Inc.
Join the CMI Team as an AmeriCorps VISTA
New Year, New Direction? Apply today to serve your community as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member with Community Markets Inc.
Details & Apply Now HERE:
https://www.communitymarketsinc.org/cmi-vista-2026/
Sponsor a Food Box Giveaway in 2026.
Businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor a Community Markets Inc. Food Box Giveaway and make an immediate, meaningful impact in West Virginia communities. A single giveaway can feed hundreds of individuals and families, while directly supporting local farmers and food producers.
Food Box Giveaway sponsorships also provide an excellent corporate team-building opportunity, brand visibility at the event and online, and recognition as a supporter of food access in West Virginia. Sponsorship levels range from partial to full event support, and all donations are tax deductible.
CMI is now scheduling Food Box Giveaways for 2026, beginning as early as February.
To learn more about sponsoring a giveaway, contact Maria Resendiz, Development Manager via email at maria.resendiz@communitymarketsinc.org or via phone at (304) 820-7305. See the flyer below for more details.
Volunteer with CMI in 2026!
New Year, New You? Discover the joy of making a positive impact on your community by volunteering with Community Markets Inc.
Email shannon.griffin@communitymarketsinc.org to get started.
Upcoming Food Box Giveaways:
- January 10, 2026 – Food Box Giveaway, Charles Town
Feeding 200 families at St. James while food lasts. A clothing giveaway will take place in the St. James basement at the same time.
Volunteers are needed Friday afternoon at 12:30 pm for packing and Saturday from 7:30 am – 1:30 pm. RSVP & details HERE:www.facebook.com/share/19yf6Y2YqA/
- January 30, 2026 – Food Box Giveaway, Shepherdstown
Feeding 100 families at Covenant Church Food Pantry while food lasts.
Volunteers are needed from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. RSVP & details HERE: www.facebook.com/share/17jbVY1Ah7/
St. Isidore Market:
- Shop Local & Affordable at St. Isidore Market. Support WV farmers while accessing fresh & healthy food all winter long. We accept SNAP EBT. Pre Order Fri-Tues HERE: www.saintisidoremarket.com
Ready to increase health and wellness for every West Virginian with West Virginian Grown Food?
Become a Monthly Donor today!
Donate
Like Community Markets Inc., St. Isidore Market, & Magnolia Market on Facebook
Feed Hungry Families. Support our Farmers. Increase Local Food Access.