The Crossroads Community Food Network’s Farmer’s Market held its 2018 opening day on April 18th. The lively, bustling market will be held every Wednesday now through November 28th, from 11am-3pm. The market features local farmers, honey, coffee, food vendors, and activities.
The Crossroads Farmer’s Market had its first season in 2007, and is now in its twelfth year. Crossroads was the first market in Maryland to accept federal nutrition benefits, and the first in the country to launch a “double dollar” incentive program to match the value of these benefits spent at the market. Shoppers can bring home fresh fruits and vegetables, and at the same time support local businesses at the market. Last year, 57% of the 17 vendors were immigrants, and 61% were women-owned businesses. Crossroads is hoping this year to surpass their total sales last season of $238,568.
The farmers selling their produce at the market are, on average, within 72 miles of the market, and come from parts of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and contribute fruits and vegetables to the Crossroads Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Food vendors include several businesses that work out of the Takoma Park Silver Spring Community Kitchen, including Nancia’s Antojito’s, a local food business serving up traditional Guatemalan cuisine such as carne asada and tostadas.
The market also features several artisans, handmade jewelry, and hand-knit clothing; there’s music and activities for children and adults, and Zumba lessons open to all. Hailey Edmonson, an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer with Crossroads, shared that Crossroads is “really excited to increase the number of people coming to our market, to offer the options to use WIC and SNAP, and to expand the offerings for lunch.” The market typically attracts around 1000 visitors each week, and hopes to see an increase in traffic throughout the summer and fall seasons.
Crossroads Farmers Market is on Anne St. between University Blvd. & Hammond Ave. (across from the Rite Aid) in Takoma Park. For a list of all Farmers Markets in Montgomery County, click here.