A Little
About Us
Mission, Vision
Purpose
G.A.P.’s Mission is to create and sustain a vibrant and resilient economy and community for sustainably produced local food, food products, and artisan goods.
Our vision is a resilient regional economy in which local farmers, artisans, and producers have the resources needed to bring healthy, sustainably produced foods and products to the community.
Based in Charles Town, West Virginia, our organization works across a multi-state region to create and support opportunities to buy and sell sustainably produced local foods, food products, and artisan goods through community education and action.
The Food Hub
Project
In 2017, the Jefferson Growers Artisans Producers Coalition (G.A.P.) was created and opened the Bushel and Peck grocery store in downtown Charles Town, West Virginia, as a sister operation to the Charles Town Farmers Market, to create a new retail opportunity for local/regional growers, artisans, and producers.
The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020 completely took over our world, as it did the world at large. In response to the crisis, the Bushel and Peck staff converted the store from a walk-in, personal-shopping operation to a curbside/takeout set-up. Except for a week to retool the store, B&P never shut down and continued to provide local/regional produce, meats, and other products to our community. We were dubbed a “food hub” and ran the operation as such for about a year-and-a-half.
As one result of this service, G.A.P. was awarded in the winter of 2021 a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant through America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative’s Targeted Small Grants Program to enhance our services, obtain new coolers and computers, and to assess the feasibility of an expanded food-hub operation in Jefferson County.
A national consulting firm, New Ventures Advisors, has been hired. A team―including G.A.P. members and representatives from the Jefferson County Extension Office, Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm, Jefferson County Development Authority, West Virginia State Agriculture Department, local producers, and citizens―is now evaluating possible locations, conducting stakeholder inquiries, and collecting data to develop a feasible plan and identify possible funding sources for it.
As our area grows, preserving and enhancing local food options and preserving the area’s rich agricultural heritage is more important than it ever has been. Not only are local/regional farmers and producers important for a healthy community, they are a vital cornerstone of the region’s economic landscape.
What can you do to help?
Volunteer at a farmers’ market, shop small and local, join a board, get involved in your community at any level you can.
For more information, email Todd Coyle at tcoyle@jeffersongapcoalition.org.
The Jefferson
Farm to School Program
The Jefferson Farm to School (F2S) program is the brainchild of Rita Hennessy, G.A.P. board chair, similar to programs she developed while with the National Park Service. Farm to School is a national program that includes nutrition and agriculture-based classroom lessons, school gardens, and the procurement of local food into the school system.
The Jefferson F2S Institute is a professional development program started in 2019 that is geared toward local school teachers, nutrition staff, cafeteria managers, nurses, and parents. Along with partners WVU Extension, Shepherd University, and WVU Medicine, the Jefferson Growers, Artisans, Producers Coalition wanted to increase awareness among children of what they eat and where it comes from. The program encourages schools to form teams and develop their own farm-to-school activities that encompass their communities, their classrooms, and their cafeteria.
“Children should know where string beans come from and how those baby carrots got into a bag at the grocery store. We want them to know these things so that they will have a greater appreciation of nutrition and so, when kids go to the cafeteria, they can understand better what they see on their plate.”
– Rita Hennessy
In 2022, Jefferson G.A.P. was awarded a USDA Farm to School grant of more than $50,000 to enhance our regional F2S activities. This grant has distributed thousands to the community through mini grants to community gardens, schools, and related programs. Results from the Jefferson F2S program include numerous school garden projects started and expanded at schools, field trips for elementary-aged youth, and infrastructure improvements at two local community gardens, such as new raised beds, accessibility accommodations, and outdoor classroom materials.
Volunteer
Opportunities
Get involved in the mission by dedicating some time, talent or treasure to one of our collaborations.
Board Members
Diane Blust,
Chair
Following a 25-year career in government intelligence, Ms. Blust spent years as a volunteer working on environmental, sustainability, and food issues. She was the president of the Fairfax Coalition for Smarter Growth and head of its Sustainable Reston project, a member of Reston Association’s Environmental Advisory Committee, and a Virginia Cooperative Extension Service Master Food Volunteer. Since moving to Jefferson County in 2014 she has worked on sustainability, environmental, and smart economic development.
Brian King,
ViceChair
Brian King of Shepherdstown spent 35 years as a senior staff official of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harpers Ferry, until 2022. Previously, he worked at the Agriculture Council of America, for the U.S. secretary of agriculture, at The Associated Press, in the Army, at the Colorado Springs Sun, and at the Charleston (S.C.) Evening Post. He was a 1968 graduate of Georgetown University.
Todd Coyle,
Executive Director
Todd Coyle is a lifelong resident of Jefferson Countyand has been an active contributor to the community. He wears multiple hats, including being a working musician, a founding member of the Charles Town Farmers Market (CTFM), a key figure in the Jefferson G.A.P. Coalition(GAP) and serves on the board of Jefferson County Development Authority.
With a team Todd helped create the Charles Town Farmers Market,a vibrant market connects local farmers, artisans, and producers with the community. This led to the creation of GAP and Bushel and Peck, supporting local farmers and businesses by providing a unique retail opportunity while increasing community access to fresh, healthy food. Bushel & Peck isn’t just a store; it’s a space for learning, connection, and nourishment.
As the Executive Director for GAP,he handles day-to-day business needs o fBushel & Peck and CTFM, contributing to the mission of preserving and growing the areas deeply rooted agricultural tradition.
His commitment to the community extends to music, agriculture, and community service. Todd Coyle’s dedication to local food, community well-being, and cultural heritage makes him an integral part of Charles Town’s fabric.
Madison Hale,
Secretary
Madison Hale is a vegetable farmer, artist, and naturalist. She currently manages an agricultural demonstration farm and is pursuing her own subsistence farmstead with her partner. Her focus is on regenerative practices, permaculture philosophy, and wild foodways. She is passionate about creating local food systems and building sustainable communities.
Rita Hennessy
Rita is a West Virginia Master Gardener, a lifetime supporter of local farmers and foods and retired from the 30-year career with the National Park Service serving in various positions with the National Trails System. She has completed courses from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health on sustainable food systems, as well as holding a BS in Recreation Resource Management from the University of Montana, and a MA in Community Change and Civic Leadership from Antioch University. Rita regularly volunteers at CTFM and other community events.
Virginie Bauer
Virginie Bauer moved to Charles Town with her three children in 2019. From her very first day, she has wholeheartedly embraced the local food scene. First; by shopping, and later volunteering at the Charles Town Farmers Market, and then, by patronising Bushel & Peck, and becoming familiar with some of the area’s many small farmers.
Her interest in fresh local produce stems not only from her concern for her family’s health, but also from her academic background in ecology and conservation biology. She believes sustainable agriculture is an important element of a functioning ecosystem.
The region is rich with agricultural history, and Virginie is eager to see a strong network of producers take shape, and to have it deliver fresh, nutritious produce to the greatest number of people. By working with the Jefferson GAP Board, she hopes to contribute to such
developments.
Virginie Bauer moved to Charles Town with her three children in 2019. She immediately embraced the local food scene by shopping at and then volunteering for the Charles Town Farmers Market, and its sister operation, Bushel and Peck. With a background in ecology and conservation biology and a concern for her family’s health and a love of community, Virginie has become an active participant in the city’s activities. Eager to help shape the local food system she became a GAP board member with the goals of preserving the regional agricultural heritage, shaping the future of a healthy local food system and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Jane Tabb
Jane first came to Jefferson County as a summer intern at the Tabb farm in 1974. She completed her Dairy Science degree at Virginia Tech and married Cam Tabb the following year. Raising 4 children and farming consumed the following years.
A leaking landfill focused Jane’s interest in local issues and government. She was the first female elected to the Jefferson County Commission in 2001. She served (3) six-year terms.
Jane has promoted local agriculture through her involvement with 4-H, WVU Extension Service, WV Dairy Show, Jefferson County Fair plus hosted farm to table dinners. She enjoys showing her Ayrshire & Brown Swiss dairy cows.
Katie Sartelle
Hi! I’m Katie Sartelle. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in both Business Science and Nursing, and for the past 13 years, I’ve proudly served in the Emergency Department at Winchester Medical Center. I’m deeply committed to the well-being of my community—not just through my work, but also through volunteering whenever I can.
In 2023, I became a proud co-owner of Uncle Beehive’s Ice Cream, a sweet venture born from passion and community spirit. Our journey began at the Charles Town Farmers Market, which gave us our very first opportunity to share our ice cream with the public—a moment we’ll never forget!
Outside of work and business, I’m an avid runner who loves a good challenge. I’m also a mom to two amazing daughters, and one of my greatest joys is exploring the outdoors with them. They’ve become passionate market-goers themselves and take our weekend outings very seriously!
I am beyond honored and grateful to be a member of this board and I am looking forward to working with GAP on local food issues and availability to all.
Fiona Harrison
Hi! I’m Fiona Harrison, and I’m proud to serve as the Farmers Market Manager at the Charles Town Farmers Market.
I’m passionate about connecting our community with fresh, locally grown food and supporting the incredible farmers, makers, and small businesses that make our market so special. Each week, I work behind the scenes (and often out front!) to help organize vendors, plan events, and ensure everything runs smoothly so that visitors can enjoy a vibrant, friendly market experience.
Whether you’re a longtime shopper, a first-time visitor, or a potential vendor, I’m here to help make your time at the market enjoyable and meaningful. I truly believe that farmers markets are the heart of a healthy, thriving community—and I’m honored to be part of that here in Charles Town!
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Friends & partners
South Mountain Micro Farm
