Growing Wealth & Wellness in West Virginia with WV-grown Food
www.communitymarketsinc.org
February 2026 News: Impact Amidst Scarcity
I’m grateful that even in the middle of winter, thanks to the support of so many, especially our year-end donors, CMI fed about 1,000 people in January and paid local farmers over $30,000!
We’re low on Local Food Purchasing funds, so we need your help to keep having Food Box Giveaways through the rest of winter. Shop at St. Isidore Market for Valentine’s Day and Lent, Sponsor a Food Box Giveaway, Donate any amount if you can, and Volunteer.
Please help us to continue helping food insecure families and local farmers. Read on for more news and ways to get involved. I am grateful for YOU!
In partnership,
Mark Peiffer, RPO
Operations Manager
Mobile: 703-789-1879
mark.peiffer@communitymarketsinc.org
Impact at a Glance
In over three years, Community Markets Inc. has fed 21,450 people in 12 WV counties with 226,470 lbs. of healthy & locally-sourced food and put $628,500 back into farmers‘ and small family business owners’ pockets.
In January 2026 alone, CMI fed 950 people with almost 7,900 lbs. of farm-fresh food and put $30,735 back into farmers‘ and small family business owners’ pockets.
One Final Look at 2025
In case you missed it: We summarized 2025 with “12 Key Moments for Community Markets Inc. in 2025” – Number 6 may surprise you! Enjoy this quick read Now.
January Highlights
1,000 West Virginians fed at Food Box Giveaways
Two Food Box Giveaways in January helped 1,000 West Virginians access farm-fresh & healthy food during the cold of winter: one of the most food-insecure times of the year. One Giveaway was held at St. James in Charles Town during their annual clothing drive, and the other was just last week in Shepherdstown with Covenant Church Food Pantry. Volunteers, like students from Job Corps Harpers Ferry, are a critical part of the Giveaways running smoothly.
Pictured L to R: Paul Buede, CMI Board President; Claire Hilbers, Resource Specialist; Shannon Griffin, Program Manager; Chris Hozdic, AmeriCorps VISTA Mobile Markets Coordinator; Mark Peiffer, Operations Manager; Maria Resendiz, Development Manager; Deacon David Galvin, CMI Board Secretary
CMI Christmas Dinner Celebrates 2025
The CMI Team, some of CMI’s Board of Directors, and their families gathered at Alfredo’s Mediterranean Grill in Charles Town for CMI’s annual Christmas Dinner. The evening was filled with delicious food, laughter, and much gratitude as we recalled the successes and challenges of 2025 and looked ahead to 2026. Thank you to Alfredo & his staff for providing a relaxed location to celebrate in!
CMI Participates in AmeriCorps Training
Chris (pictured top row middle in the red beanie) enjoyed attending the three-day AmeriCorps VISTA Training at NCTC in Shepherdstown put on by WV’s Promise Youth Alliance to kick off his second term of service. Mark (pictured middle left row in the green hat) was honored to give a talk and lead an ice breaker for the group.
CMI Visits Charleston
Mark is grateful to have visited legislators at the WV State Capitol for the third year in a row at the invitation of Senator Patricia Rucker (R-16). A very full day was spent updating lawmakers and elected officials about CMI’s progress in feeding food insecure West Virginian families while supporting WV farmers. During the visit, Senator Rucker presented CMI with $5,000 in funding towards a new pick up truck.
UPCOMING: February at Community Markets Inc.
Special St. Isidore Markets this Month
In the next three weeks the St. Isidore Market will have special themes: tomorrow, Feb 5th, is the Super Bowl Market with chicken wings and more for game day. Next week, Feb 12th, is our Valentine’s Day Market featuring local tulip bouquets, chocolates, steaks, & more for your valentine. Finally, we’ll help you begin Lent well at Feb 19th’s Market with a Fish Sale.
Pre Order Local & Affordable Groceries Now!
The St. Isidore Market is every Thursday from 5:00-6:30 pm at St. James in Charles Town. Pre Order hundreds of Local & Affordable farm-fresh groceries online from Friday morning – noon Tuesday at www.saintisidoremarket.com. All money raised at the Market helps feed food insecure families in our community who perhaps can’t afford to shop at CMI’s mobile markets.
Food Drive at Brown’s Tire and Auto THIS MONTH
Donate food, gift cards, or make a monetary donation to Community Markets Inc. at Brown’s Tire and Auto in Shepherdstown in the month of February! Thank you to Ron & Maria Brown for partnering with CMI to feed our community!
Join the CMI Team as an AmeriCorps VISTA
Looking for a meaningful way to serve your community in 2026? Apply to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Community Markets Inc. — roles include communications, program support, fundraising, and more.
Learn more and apply here: 👉 www.communitymarketsinc.org/cmi-vista-2026/
Upcoming Food Box Giveaways
A Food Box Giveaway is planned for late February, but the details are TBA. Stay tuned on CMI’s Facebook page and your inbox for more info soon!
Sponsor a Food Box Giveaway in 2026
Businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor a CMI Food Box Giveaway. Sponsorships are a great corporate team-building opportunity, offer brand visibility at events and online, and includes recognition as a supporter of food access in West Virginia. Sponsorship levels vary from partial to full event support, and all donations are tax deductible.
CMI is currently scheduling Food Box Giveaways for 2026, beginning as early as this month.
To learn more, contact:
Maria Resendiz, Development Manager
📧 maria.resendiz@communitymarketsinc.org
📞 (304) 820-7305
Volunteer with CMI in 2026!
Make a positive impact on your community by volunteering! Whether you prefer helping pack orders, supporting the St. Isidore Market, office support, or assisting at Food Box Giveaways, there’s a role for you. Email shannon.griffin@communitymarketsinc.org to get started.
Ready to increase health and wellness for every West Virginian with West Virginian Grown Food?
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