Twenty years ago, two things were just getting started: Michele’s Granola and the Crossroads Community Food Network. Today, we’re celebrating how far both have come and the community that has grown alongside them!
A Longstanding Partnership
The Crossroads Community Food Network (CCFN) was established in Langley Park, Maryland, in 2007 to make "fresh, healthy food more accessible in the Takoma/Langley Crossroads." They also work to improve nutritious food access and economic opportunities in agriculture and food production for the community’s primarily low-income Latin, African and Asian immigrant residents. From the beginning, the organization has been focused on providing support for minorities and immigrants to start or grow local food businesses, including the opportunity to sell their fresh-made products at the organization’s weekly Crossroads Farmers Market.
Michele personally helped get Crossroads’ programming off the ground in the early days, around the same time she started Michele's Granola! Now, that vision has grown into a thriving community network and the Crossroads Farmers Market, which recently celebrated its 20th farmers market season anniversary.
Our partnership has grown over the years through our Give One for Good Food® program. We donate 1% of our sales to organizations leading the way towards a healthier, more equitable food system, and CCFN was one of our first partners. Every bag of Michele’s Granola you buy helps us give back to non-profits like CCFN and support organizations that make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Expanding Access to Healthy Food
The Crossroads Farmers Market has long been a leader in making fresh food more accessible. It was the first farmers market in the country to accept SNAP and WIC benefits, helping families use these benefits to purchase fresh, healthy foods.
The market also created the Fresh Checks Program, which matches SNAP and WIC benefits dollar-for-dollar. In 2026, nearly $165,000 was spent through matching Fresh Checks, helping shoppers stretch their benefits further. Today, 60% of the market’s shoppers use SNAP or WIC benefits.
Supporting Local Food Businesses
Access to nutritious, fresh food is only part of what makes the Crossroads Farmers Market so special. The market also provides a place for local farmers, food producers, and immigrant-run businesses to share their products and earn income within their community.
Providing culturally appropriate foods and creating opportunities for local food entrepreneurs have been central to the market’s mission for two decades. The result is a market that reflects the diversity of the community it serves while helping local businesses grow.
Celebrating 20 Years
The Crossroads Farmers Market’s 20th season was a milestone worth celebrating! The anniversary festivities brought together community members and supporters to recognize two decades of expanding food access and supporting local food businesses.
The celebration featured remarks from community leaders and a performance by Rosa, one of the market’s first vendors, who now runs a small business with her family. Her journey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and community connections that have helped Crossroads thrive.
We’re proud to have supported Crossroads since its early days and look forward to seeing its impact continue to grow. Congratulations on 20 incredible seasons!
Click here to learn more about Crossroads Community Food Network and get involved. The market runs every Wednesday 10:30 AM–2:30 PM through November 25th!
