Living Fresh Market Expands Its Monthly Community Giveback Events with Black History Month 60‑Second Shopping Spree

Melody Winston with her father, Dr. Bill Winston. Photo provide by jerrythomaspr
Melody Winston with her father, Dr. Bill Winston. Photo provide by jerrythomaspr

Living Fresh Market Expands Its Monthly Community Giveback Events with Black History Month 60‑Second Shopping Spree

As grocery prices soar nationwide, the Black-owned supermarket continues its mission to help families save, eat healthier, and stay connected to the community.

FOREST PARK, IL — Living Fresh Market, the nation’s largest African American–owned full–service supermarket, will once again host its popular 60‑Second Shopping Spree on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at its 71,000‑square‑feet store located at 7520 W. Roosevelt Road in Forest Park.

Shoppers will have four opportunities throughout the day to enter a raffle for 60 seconds to fill their baskets with the groceries of their choosing. Each basket will be capped at $300 — a limit introduced after an enthusiastic winner at the October event collected more than $600 in groceries in under a minute.

This month’s event is part of Living Fresh Market’s ongoing monthly community engagement series, created in response to rising food costs, reductions in government benefits, and the financial strain facing working families across the region.

Over the past year, Living Fresh Market has expanded its customer support initiatives — from food education events and healthy cooking demos to budget-friendly meal planning and targeted support for SNAP recipients — all designed to help families stretch their dollars without sacrificing nutrition.

Senior Executive Melody Winston says the shopping spree is one of the most joyful expressions of that mission.

“This is a time for us to partner with the community on giving and serving others who may need some help during this season,” Winston said. “It’s a threefold campaign — the store, our community sponsors, and the winners who often use these groceries to bless not only their own households but others as well.”

She added that the event brings joy not only to customers but also to employees.

“We sometimes forget the joy our staff feels when they see customers excited, laughing, and receiving something with no strings attached,” Winston said. “It’s a blessing to serve, and that joy is contagious.”

Living Fresh Market also ensures seniors can participate by allowing them to designate someone to run on their behalf.

Among the supporters of this month’s event is the Tau Nu Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., based in Aurora.

Alex Felton, a fraternity representative, said the chapter is proud to stand with Living Fresh Market during Black History Month.

“On behalf of the Tau Nu Sigma Chapter of Aurora Phi Beta Sigma, we thank Living Fresh Market for the opportunity to contribute to these community efforts,” Felton said. “We believe in what Ms. Winston and her team are doing, and we’re honored to support a Black-owned business that consistently gives back and uplifts families.”

To participate in the raffle, shoppers must be Fresh Rewards members. Customers can sign up in advance at www.livingfreshmarket.com or register on‑site the day of the event. A check-in table will confirm membership and distribute raffle tickets.

Throughout the event, customers can enjoy:

  • Live music and a DJ
  • An emcee engaging the crowd
  • In-house food demos featuring healthier options, kosher selections, local brands, and new product lines
  • Sponsor recognition and group photos with each winner

The food demos will highlight items that help families reduce grocery costs, avoid ultra-processed foods, and discover healthier alternatives, Winston said.

For information about Living Fresh Market, visit the company’s website at https://livingfreshmarket.com. To arrange an interview with Ms. Melody Winston or the event sponsors, contact Jerry Thomas at (312) 212-8955. jerry@jerrythomaspr.com. Pictures and videos are available.

About Living Fresh Market
Living Fresh Market is a leader in providing shoppers with fresh, high-quality groceries. With a focus on health, wellness, and community engagement, the store is dedicated to improving its customers' lives through education and empowerment.

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