Crossroads Community Food Network

Crossroads Community Food Network is building a healthier, more inclusive food system in the primarily immigrant, low-income community of Takoma/Langley Crossroads. Founded in 2007, the seasonal Crossroads Farmers Market was the first in Maryland to accept federal nutrition benefits, and the first in the country to launch a “double dollar” incentive program—called Fresh Checks—to match the value of these benefits spent on fresh fruits and vegetables at market. Over the last nine market seasons, more than in Fresh Checks have been distributed to over households. The organization has grown to serve more than people each year and now also includes a microenterprise program for those seeking to start food-based businesses, and a healthy eating educational program in a handful of local elementary schools.