Karina Mendoza

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 $360,000 in Fresh Checks have been distributed to over 11,000 households. The organization has grown to serve more than 3,000 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.