CMI Receives Generous Grant from Highmark Foundation
January 6, 2025
Community Markets Inc. (CMI) announced today the reception of a grant from Highmark Foundation. The $22,000 grant was used in 2024 to purchase healthy food at a fair price from West Virginian and local farmers as well as offset other costs associated with the Food Box Giveaway Program.
“What particularly excites me about CMI’s partnership with Highmark Foundation is the growing trend in the healthcare industry that recognizes and funds food as medicine, the idea that regularly eating healthy and nutritious food grown locally as the best form of preventative care,” Explained Mark Peiffer, Operations Manager for CMI. “When silos are broken down across sectors and more organizations and entities collaborate to serve the most vulnerable in our community, more impact is made and limited resources are stretched to their maximum potential.”
Funding from Highmark Foundation allowed for the Food Box Giveaway Program to grow in a tremendous way over the past year. In 2024, over 5,500 people were fed with nearly 50,000 lbs. of food. A Food Box Giveaway was held at least once per month in 2024.
The Food Box Giveaway Program feeds thousands of food insecure families every year with healthy food sourced from local farms in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and beyond.
To learn more about Community Markets Inc., make a tax-deductible donation, or to volunteer, please visit www.communitymarketsinc.org. Like and follow CMI on Facebook at facebook.com/CommunityMarketsInc.
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Community Markets Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Charles Town, WV whose mission is to connect locally grown food to families in need. All of CMI’s programs and activities increase food security and access to healthy and affordable food grown in WV for all Appalachian families, especially underserved and low-income families.