FAQs

A Few

What is G.A.P.?

The Jefferson Growers Artisans and Producers Coalition (G.A.P.) is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial and fair relationships among our region’s growers, artisans, producers, retailers, public institutions, and consumers, including providing alternative marketing opportunities in retail marketplaces and recurring community-gathering opportunities.

Volunteer

Opportunities

Get involved in the mission by dedicating some time, talent or treasure to one of our collaborations.

What are the

benefits of buying local?

There are many reasons to shop local. Here are just a few…

BUILD COMMUNITY! The casual encounters you enjoy at neighborhood–scale businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and community cohesiveness. They’re the ultimate social networking sites!
STRENGTHEN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY! Each dollar you spend at independent businesses returns 3 times more money to your local economy than one spent at a chain (almost 50 times more than buying from an online mega-retailer) — a benefit we all can bank on.
SHAPE OUR CHARACTER! Independent businesses help give your community its distinct personality.
YOU CAN BUY IT WHERE YOU TRY IT! Local stores enable you to try on and try out items before you buy — and get real expertise — saving your time and money.
LOWER TAXES! More efficient land use and more central locations mean local businesses put less demand on our roads, sewers, and safety services. They also generate more tax revenue per sales dollar. The bottom line: a greater percentage of local independent businesses keeps your taxes lower.
GET REAL VALUE FOR YOURSELF! Reader surveys by the Consumers Union repeatedly show independent businesses beating their chain competitors in overall customer satisfaction (and often save you money).

ENHANCE CHOICES! A wide variety of independent businesses, each serving their customers’ tastes, creates greater overall choice for all of us.
INCREASE WEALTH OF RESIDENTS! The multiplier effect created by spending locally generates lasting impact on the prosperity of local organizations and residents.
CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES! Not only do independent businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue, they also are the customers of local printers, accountants, wholesalers, farms, attorneys, etc., expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY! Small businesses donate more than twice as much per sales dollar to local non-profits, events, and teams compared to big businesses.
ENHANCE LOCAL DEMOCRACY! Local ownership of business means residents with roots in the community are involved in key development decisions that shape our lives and local environment.
ENHANCE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS! Research shows a strong correlation between the percentage of small locally-owned firms and various indicators of personal and community health and vitality.

Where are we located?

We are based in historically HIP Charles Town, West Virginia.

Jefferson G.A.P. Coalition, Inc.
PO Box 542
100 W Washington St
Charles Town, WV 25414

What does G.A.P. do?

The Jefferson G.A.P. Coalition is the fiduciary agent for the Bushel and Peck grocery in downtown Charles Town and the Charles Town Farmers Market. We work to enhance and promote local foods, healthy communities, and local/regional agriculture.

Where does your donation go?

Donations are used for a variety of ways, including staffing, marketing, equipment maintenance, training, volunteer support, and community outreach. Mostly it goes into the pockets of local and regional growers, artisans, and producers, as well as helping us to fund Farm to School activities and support local small businesses and organizations.

How can you help?

There are several ways to help:

FAQS