The Christian Appalachian Project Jackson County Food Pantry expansion recently opened its doors to children, families, and seniors in the community. The building is new, but the heart behind the pantry remains the same, offering nourishing food, compassionate service, and a place where neighbors are welcomed with dignity and care.  

“The pantry is a beautiful space,” said Ken Parker, a pantry participant. His excitement was clear as he smiled and proudly pushed his cart through the pantry, filling it with a fresh cabbage, eggs, shelf-stable items, and even laundry detergent from the pantry’s hygiene and cleaning supply section. “We are blessed to have this here.”  

Made possible through the generosity of donors, the new facility expands CAP’s capacity to meet a growing need in Jackson County, where nearly 21% of residents face food insecurity, according to Feeding America. The 4,200-square-foot pantry more than triples the space of the previous 1,248-square-foot building and includes a shopping area, warehouse storage, and a covered drive-thru. 

For people who rely on the pantry, the new facility ensures a steady access to food, more efficient service, and a welcoming experience that reflects the care and respect at the center of the pantry’s mission. 

“Food insecurity continues to affect far too many of our neighbors in Appalachia, and this pantry represents CAP’s ongoing commitment to meeting that need with compassion, dignity, and practical support,” said Jennifer Stolo, CAP President & CEO. “Because of the generosity that made this space possible, families and seniors in Jackson County will have greater access to the food they need.” 

The new pantry builds on a legacy of care that began nearly four decades ago. In 1986, the pantry started as the Jackson County Food Bank, a community response to hunger that grew from the compassion of local churches, volunteers, and neighbors. What started as an emergency food source has become a trusted place where people can find food, dignity, and hope. 

CAP’s early involvement and continued partnership provided important support, while the strength of the local community helped the pantry endure and expand. Decade after decade, the work continued because people believed no neighbor should have to face hunger alone. 

At the heart of that legacy was Joyce Marks. As a founding board member and longtime volunteer director, Joyce led the pantry for nearly four decades and became a tireless advocate for hunger relief in Jackson County. Alongside her husband, Melvin Marks, and supported by her family, she became known for meeting people where they were while offering both practical help and encouragement to people navigating difficult circumstances. 

Before her passing, Joyce helped establish a partnership with CAP to ensure the pantry’s mission would continue while honoring its community roots. Today, the new building represents both a next chapter for the pantry and a continuation of the compassion Marks modeled so faithfully. 

That legacy also continues through her family. Jenny Parker, one of Marks’ daughters, proudly carries on her mother’s work as the pantry’s coordinator, while her sisters, Gloria Margison and Mary Brockman, faithfully serve as community volunteers. John Marks, a son of Marks, is vice president of JMBA Inc., the company responsible for building the new pantry. 

The transition into the new facility was also supported by volunteers from Living the Word Church in Bethel, Ohio. The church, which has partnered with the pantry for several years, helped move food from the original building into the new space, organize the warehouse area, and stock shelves and refrigerators for opening day. 

Each year, members of the church return with volunteer support and a trailer of donations, helping ensure the pantry remains ready to serve neighbors in need. 

“We’re so glad to have a hand in this transition,” said Ashlee Scheadler, missions and outreach director for Living the Word Church. “I know [Joyce] is looking down from Heaven smiling on all that has been done here.”