Out the Gate! February News
February 5th, 2024
Dear Friends of Community Markets Inc.,
Happy February! CMI has come out the gate fast in 2024 with plenty of happenings in January. We’re very grateful to our partners and donors who made themselves known last month and helped Community Markets Inc. increase food security and access to healthy farm-fresh food grown by West Virginian farmers – Thank you! CMI cannot continue its work without intentional involvement from people like YOU. Please visit our new Get Involved Page on the CMI website and take the Locally Connected Challenge: Do one action on the list per month in 2024 to help better our needy families, farmers, and community! We hope you enjoy the updates below and, as always, do keep in touch – I want to hear from each of you!
Keep Growing,
Mark Peiffer, RPO
Director
January 2024 Highlights
– January was a month full of networking including a visit to Charleston for UniCare’s 20th Anniversary Celebration and a visit to the state capitol to update elected officials about the impact CMI is having in the Eastern Panhandle of WV.
– CMI partnered with St. James Catholic Church in Charles Town over MLK weekend for a Food Box Giveaway which was held during St. James’ annual clothing giveaway. Over 200 bags of farm fresh food were distributed to over 660 people, 220 of which were children. 4,000 lbs. of healthy food was distributed from local farms along with hundreds of lbs. of shelf stable food donated by St. James. $4,887 was paid to local farmers and $800 was spent at Save-a-Lot grocery store in Charles Town thanks to a donation from St. James. 22 Volunteers put in nearly 60 hrs to make the Giveaway successful, including students from the local Job Corps campus (pictured below). Martin’s grocery store also donated 300 paper bags. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
We love our volunteers! Thank you Job Corps Harpers Ferry for helping to pack food bags!
– January saw the most sales of any month for the St. Isidore Market since CMI took over its management last year! 154 Online Preorders were placed in January, $3,704 paid to Local Farmers and Producers, and $338 paid to Cottage Industry Vendors, Artisans, and Upstart Family Businesses. 20 Vendors have recently sold their foods and products through the St. Isidore Market. Get local and affordable groceries while supporting the local economy and feeding needy families! Order Now for pickup from the Market in Charles Town this Thursday from 5-6:30 pm!
– CMI just released the Get Involved Page on its website. This list compiles ways that you can get involved in increasing food security and local food access with Community Markets Inc.! Take the Locally Connected Challenge and do one item on the list each month for 2024! New opportunities will be added in the coming weeks and months, so stay tuned!
– Thank you to everyone who donated their time, treasure, and talent this past month, especially two large donations made by individuals! CMI can’t do this important work without your support! Thank you for your generosity!
A box of farm fresh food is ready to be sent to a hungry West Virginian family.
Upcoming and Notables
– CMI is finalizing the date & location of its next Food Box Giveaway in mid to late February. Details for the Giveaway in March are being finalized too. Stay tuned for details!
– Shop local and affordable this winter at the St. Isidore Market! Pre order online HERE every Friday morning through Tuesday at noon and pick up your order on Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm in the library at St. James Catholic Church in Charles Town!
– Get your CMI and St. Isidore Market bumper stickers and car magnets for a donation of $5 or more! Show your support for local food in the Eastern Panhandle of WV! Contact Mark Peiffer if you’re interested in one or more.
Show your Support for food security and local food access in WV!
– Be on the lookout for more announcements and resources from Community Markets Inc. like our participation in this year’s Unity Campaign! We’re excited for a fabulous February!
Thank you for your interest in CMI! Make a difference in your community this month by taking the Locally Connected Challenge and help feed needy families today!
