Forest Park community rallies, supports Black-owned Living Fresh Market on Roosevelt Road considering closing for tariffs, economy
Share this @internewscast.com

FOREST PARK, Ill. (WLS) — This Saturday saw a turnout of customers supporting a Black-owned grocery store in the suburbs, which warned it might close without community assistance.

The proprietors of Living Fresh Market in Forest Park state that business hasn’t been what it once was, and a closure would resonate beyond just the store itself.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The community showed up and showed out in their effort to keep the local grocery store in the neighborhood.

For the first time in a long time, Living Fresh Market was packed.

“It’s a valuable store, and I think people… should know about it,” shopper Lalita Pittman said.

Saturday morning, shoppers answered the call to help the grocery store stay open and filled the aisles.

Because of the fact it’s a Black-owned business, and we have to support our own.

Larry Roberts Jr., Larry’s Barber Colleges

“We opened the doors at 7 a.m., and people immediately started coming,” said Melody Winston, a senior executive at Living Fresh Market. “So far, about 800 people have come through today.”

Given the store’s significant financial troubles, the owners issued a public appeal this week, enlisting local businessman and philanthropist Early Walker for support. In a social media post, he committed to purchasing $500 in groceries and encouraged a thousand others to spend $100 each at the store on Saturday.

On average, a large grocery store sees at least around 2,000 customers a day.

“This is about jobs, workers, families, and small businesses,” Walker stated. “We can’t compete with large retailers if our community doesn’t support it.”

Plenty were eager to support the cause, like Chicagoan and first-time Living Fresh Market shopper Rachel Little.

“Social media was blowing up… so I showed up,” Little said. “I drove an hour. I drove an hour to come get my groceries.”

Living Fresh Market ranks among the largest Black-owned grocery stores nationwide. It is owned by Pastor Bill Winston of the Living Word Church and his family, who also own the mall where the store resides.

“We’ve made it something that’s enterprising and meet the needs of the community, so we want this to not be your last visit,” Winston said.

The owners admit that business has remained slow since the pandemic. Tariffs, along with people losing jobs and food assistance benefits being cut, have not helped either.

READ MORE: Chicago contractors, consumers concerned over President Trump’s latest tariff plan

While it’s estimated about a third of the market’s customers get SNAP benefits to buy groceries, the store also supports other small businesses by selling their products in the store.

“I definitely have a stake in here in order to make the store stay here,” said Larry Roberts Jr. with Larry’s Barber Colleges. “Nevertheless, because of the fact it’s a Black-owned business, and we have to support our own.”

Living Fresh Market is heavily involved in the community, offering a mentoring program and providing assistance to local food pantries and shelters.

Supporters say that this effort can’t end here. They’re asking that the public come back to the store at least twice a month in support all in an effort to help it stay in the community.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

New York Giants’ Cam Skattebo Leaves Game Due to Ankle Injury

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — In a devastating turn of events for the New…
‘Chainsaw Man’ anime film topples Springsteen biopic and ‘Black Phone 2’ at the box office

‘Chainsaw Man’ Movie Surpasses Springsteen Biopic and ‘Black Phone 2’ in Box Office Success

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The cinematic rendition of the beloved anime “Chainsaw…
Former Vice President Kamala Harris leaves door open for 2028 presidential run, according to new BBC interview

In a recent BBC interview, Former Vice President Kamala Harris hints at potential 2028 presidential bid.

WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris is keeping her options open for another potential…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Authorities Determine Teen’s ‘Gel Blaster’ Shooting in Skokie’s Shawnee Park as Antisemitic Hate Crime: Police Report

In SKOKIE, Illinois, local authorities have determined that a teenager’s use of…
Knicks take 54 threes, only make 15 in 115-107 loss to Heat

Knicks Fall Short Against Heat Despite Attempting 54 Three-Pointers, Securing Only 15 in 115-107 Defeat

MIAMI — The Knicks are aiming to increase their three-point attempts. This…
The Latest: What’s in store for the AP Top 25

Breaking Down the Future of the AP Top 25 Rankings

Anticipate minimal changes at the peak of the AP Top 25 rankings,…
F/A-18, Sea Hawk helicopter crash in South China Sea in separate incidents

F/A-18 Jet and Sea Hawk Helicopter Crashes in South China Sea: Unrelated Incidents Raise Concerns

In two separate incidents on Sunday, a Navy fighter jet and a…
Ravens-Bears game today: Baltimore Ravens defeat Chicago Bears 30-16

Ravens Soar Over Bears: Baltimore Clinches Dominant 30-16 Victory – Game Highlights & Analysis

In an impressive display on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens secured a commanding…
AARP Florida creates petition against proposed JEA natural gas plant

Florida AARP Launches Petition to Oppose New JEA Natural Gas Plant Proposal

In Jacksonville, a proposed natural gas plant has sparked controversy, with AARP…
Former Jets center Nick Mangold dies at 41, less than 2 weeks after announcing he had kidney disease

Beloved Jets Star Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Following Kidney Disease Announcement

In 2022, Nick Mangold, a celebrated figure in the New York Jets’…
Nearly 80K sauna blankets recalled after dozens of burn injuries reported

Urgent Recall Alert: Over 80,000 Sauna Blankets Recalled Due to Burn Injury Risks

In an important safety notice, Lifepro Fitness has announced the recall of…
Charlie Kirk inspires Gen Z to trade parties for prayer as college frats spark faith revival, expert says

Charlie Kirk Ignites Faith Revival: Gen Z Swaps College Parties for Prayer as Fraternities Embrace Spiritual Awakening

Fraternity houses across the United States are witnessing a shift from party…