Jennifer Oehme Knepper is a true beacon of light in her community of Lancaster, PA. With her boundless generosity and unwavering commitment, she has dedicated herself to making her city a better place for everyone. Jenn is a living embodiment of altruism, constantly giving her time and energy to various volunteer initiatives that uplift her community.

Her ethical values extend to all aspects of her community engagement. She's a firm believer in social justice and inclusivity, working tirelessly to bridge gaps and create a sense of unity among diverse groups. She is the Founder of Gifts That Give Hope, a year-round marketplace featuring ethical and sustainable community businesses that support local causes. She spearheads the GTGH Gift Fair every year and will celebrate the 16th annual this year in December.

Through her volunteer work, she supports local non-profits that otherwise might not receive much visibility. She is a podcast host and her guests have benefited from being a part of GTGH. Her empathy knows no bounds, and she's always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

What sets Jenn apart is not just her individual efforts, but her ability to bring people together, such as with the Gifts That Give Hope and Present Lancaster initiatives. Her natural leadership and excellent communication skills make her an influential figure in the city's volunteer circles. She's adept at organizing events, rallying volunteers, and collaborating with local businesses, non-profits, and organizations to amplify the impact of her initiatives.

In a world that sometimes feels overwhelmed by challenges, Jenn stands as a living testament to the power of one person's dedication to positive change. Her combination of selflessness, passion for sustainability, and ethical compassion makes her a true role model for the city of Lancaster and beyond.

Not only does Jenn have a huge philanthropic heart, but she’s also a savvy business owner. She and her husband Chad own Chestnut Ridge Honey & Beeswax Products which she runs with the same enthusiasm for sustainability and ethically sourced gift-giving. The mission, in part, supports the efforts of companies around the world that are forging a path towards more equitable, fair, and safe working conditions for the farmers, artisans, and makers whom they employ. Chestnut Ridge Honey is extremely conscious about what they purchase both as raw ingredients and as finished products for our themed gift boxes. She actively and enthusiastically seeks out companies that are fair trade, social enterprise, business for good, environmentally friendly, and cognizant about their working conditions for employees because we believe God created everyone with inherent gifts and everyone deserves to work in an environment where they are treated with respect, appreciation, and dignity.

Jennifer Oehme Knepper grew up in Lititz PA and now resides in Lancaster PA with her husband Chad and 3 boys. She has been a critical care nurse for nearly 20 years. Food is Love has been a tremendous source of inspiration, learning, and creating for her since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.