Shepherdstown's Community Markets Faces Staffing Crisis
Two-thirds of staff cut at Community Markets Inc., a group that feeds the hungry
The Spirit of Jefferson | Thursday, May 8, 2025
In a significant blow to local efforts combating hunger, Community Markets Inc. (CMI), located near Shepherdstown, has lost two-thirds of its workforce due to recent cuts to the AmeriCorps program. This decision, implemented by the Trump Administration's Department of Government Efficiency, has resulted in the departure of all four VISTA program members who were vital to the nonprofit's mission of providing nutritious food to families in need. CMI's reliance on the AmeriCorps program highlights the importance of national service to sustain community-focused initiatives in the area, affecting not only local operations but also the assistance available to residents struggling with food insecurity, particularly in towns like Charles Town and Ranson. The Spirit of Jefferson reports on this pressing issue that underscores the challenges facing local organizations dedicated to supporting the community.
