Photo of the Crossroads Farmers Market by Molly M. Peterson for the U. S Department of Agriculture

Local nonprofit Silver Spring Cares is collecting reusable bags to benefit the vendors at the Crossroads Farmers Market.

The Crossroads Community Food Network operates the producers-only market, located on Anne Street between University Boulevard and Hammond Avenue in Takoma Park. Each Wednesday, vendors offer fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, coffee, seed and nut snacks, and a variety of prepared foods, among other items, according to the Crossroads website.

In addition, the market features food demonstrations, kids’ activities, live music and various events.

Crossroads Farmers Market was the first market in Maryland to accept federal nutrition benefits and the first in the country to launch a “double dollar” incentive program, which matches the value of the federal benefits spent at the market.

Under Takoma Park law, single-use, point-of-sale plastics bags common at other markets are banned, so Silver Spring Cares is collecting clean, reusable bags to give to Crossroads.

Donations can be scheduled for pickup by SSC volunteers, who will pick up in zip codes 20901, 20902, 20903, 20904, 20905, 20906, 20910 and 20912. Bags can be left by the front door for collection on Friday, June 1, or can be dropped at the market any Wednesday.

For more information, send an email to [email protected].