In a few short weeks groceries will arrive at two MetroLink Stations – Wellston and North Hanley. The mission of the Link Market (LINK) is to improve access to healthy, affordable food for hungry people in the St. Louis region. LINK markets are modular grocery stores that serve food desert communities. Customers on their commutes can purchase a variety of healthy foods – fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and staple goods – at affordable prices while learning lessons on healthy eating.
The LINK has access to a network of more than farmers and growers within 100 miles of our markets from which to source the variety of local fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and poultry. Sourcing locally through area farmers and hyper-locally through community growers. In addition to fresh produce, LINK will offer value-added products (think dairy, sauces, and other staples such as
flour).
For those on the go, LINK will sell recipe bundles (pre-portioned ingredients with
recipe cards). Additionally, LINK has partnered with St. Louis Area Foodbank (STLAFB) to reduce food waste. Items that do not sell, but that is still within its best use date will be introduced to STLAF managed pantries.
LINK will accept every form of payment including electronic benefits transfer (EBT– formerly food stamps). They will participate in the federally funded EBT DoubleBucks programs that matches, dollar for dollar, what individuals and families spend at the grocery store, up to $25; this means that for Link Market customers who use EBT, $25 of EBT becomes $50 of buying power at the register.
Coming soon to the Wellston and North Hanley MetroLink Stations, Wednesday – Sunday, 11 am – 7pm, year-round. Check out the LINK market at the upcoming Metro Market event sponsored by CMT and AARP in St. Louis at the North Hanley Station from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 11.