HOMECOMING: Living Fresh Market Celebrates Five Years of Community Impact with Celebrity Guests, Shopping Sprees, Marching Band and Family Fun


HOMECOMING: Living Fresh Market Celebrates Five Years of Community Impact with Celebrity Guests, Shopping Sprees, Marching Band and Family Fun

Nation's Largest Black-Owned Full-Service Supermarket Invites the Community to Celebrate Its Fifth Anniversary on October 31

FOREST PARK, IL. – Five years ago, when the operator of the supermarket inside Forest Park Plaza walked away, the future of fresh food access for thousands of residents hung in the balance.

The shelves remained. The building remained. The community remained. But someone had to pick up the keys.

Today, that decision has become one of the most inspiring retail success stories in America.

On Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Living Fresh Market will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a festive "Homecoming" Celebration, honoring five years of service, resilience, entrepreneurship, and community investment. The event will take place at Living Fresh Market at 7520 W. Roosevelt Road in this community five miles west of Chicago, and it will feature celebrity appearances, live entertainment, hourly shopping sprees, food, prizes, vendor demonstrations, and activities for the entire family.

Under the leadership of Melody Winston, Living Fresh Market has grown into the nation's largest full-service supermarket owned and operated by African Americans, serving as both a neighborhood grocery store and an economic engine for the communities it serves.

The market is a subsidiary of Living Word Christian Center, one of America’s largest churches founded by internationally recognized faith leader, entrepreneur, author and television minister Dr. Bill Winston. What began as a commitment to preserve food access has evolved into a nationally recognized model demonstrating how community-centered retail can create jobs, support entrepreneurs, strengthen neighborhoods, and provide fresh food access where it matters most.

Inspired by the excitement of high school and college homecoming traditions, this year's theme celebrates the customers, families, employees and community partners who have helped make Living Fresh Market a success story.

Highlights include:

• Special appearance by actress Shiquita James, known for her roles in Black Panther and The Six Triple Eight, who will meet and greet guests throughout the event.

• Performance by the acclaimed King College Prep Marching Band, bringing more than 30 student musicians, majorettes and performers to the celebration. Students will also learn about entrepreneurship and community leadership through Living Fresh Market and the broader Living Word ecosystem.

• The popular 60-Second Shopping Spree, held every hour during the event, giving lucky shoppers an opportunity to fill their carts for free in sixty seconds.

• A special Homecoming Social Media Experience featuring Freshy, the store's mascot, and photo opportunities designed for families and guests.

• Vendor demonstrations and product sampling throughout the store.

• A signature Cajun-Creole menu from Living Fresh Market's hot food kitchen, honoring Chef Renard's New Orleans roots.

For many customers, Living Fresh Market represents more than a place to buy groceries. It represents local ownership. It represents opportunity. It represents the belief that businesses can succeed while serving a higher purpose.

Over the past five years, the market has supported wellness initiatives, food giveaways, community programs, local entrepreneurs, and emerging vendors seeking access to retail shelf space. The supermarket has become a gathering place where commerce and community intersect.

"Five years ago, we accepted a challenge that many believed was too difficult," said Melody Winston. "Today, we are celebrating not only a successful supermarket, but the customers, employees, community members and supporters who helped make this achievement possible. This anniversary belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey."

As part of the anniversary celebration, Living Fresh Market is encouraging supporters to join its Fresh Rewards Program.

"Our birthday wish is simple," said Winston. "Become a Fresh Rewards Member and help us continue building a stronger future for our community."

Community members throughout the Chicago region are invited to attend this free public event, celebrate five years of achievement, and experience firsthand why Living Fresh Market has become one of the most important community-owned retail success stories in the nation.

About Living Fresh Market

Living Fresh Market is a community-centered supermarket dedicated to providing fresh produce, quality meats, international grocery products, wellness education, and economic opportunities for emerging vendors. Operated under the leadership of Melody Winston and affiliated with Dr. Bill Winston's Living Word Christian Center, the 71,000-square-foot supermarket has become a national model for community-based grocery retail and fresh food access.

For additional information or to arrange interviews, contact Jerry Thomas at (312) 212-8955 or jerry@jerrythomaspr.com.

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