Walt Churchill’s Market Honored with National Grocers Association’s Peter J. Larkin Award for Community Service

• February 2, 2026

Award Presented During Opening Session of NGA Show in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV - The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, presented the prestigious Peter J. Larkin Award for Community Service to Walt Churchill's Market last night at The NGA Show.

The Peter J. Larkin Award for Community Service honors independent grocers who exemplify exceptional dedication to community engagement and service.

For more than 100 years, Walt Churchill's Market (WCM) has served as a trusted neighborhood grocer while making community service a core part of its mission. Operating two stores and now proudly employee-owned, WCM has built a legacy rooted in generosity, civic leadership, and meaningful local partnerships.

A cornerstone of WCM's community impact is its ongoing commitment to fighting hunger. The company regularly donates fresh food to local food banks to help ensure families in need have access to nutritious meals. Its signature Stuff the Truck Food Drive, which engages both customers and team members, benefits the Seagate Food Bank and is further amplified by WCM's contribution of a percentage of sales, significantly increasing the program's reach and impact.

WCM also empowers local nonprofits through its Community Involvement Discount Program, partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations by providing donations and hosting in-store fundraising events such as car washes. These initiatives create accessible fundraising opportunities while strengthening nonprofit visibility and support within the community.

"Walt Churchill's Market's unwavering commitment to service and community well-being demonstrates the meaningful impact independent grocers make every day at the heart of their communities," said Greg Ferrara, NGA President & CEO. "This commitment to the community was instilled by Walt himself and continues under his watchful eye through the next generation of employee owners. NGA proudly congratulates Walt Churchill's Market on this well-deserved recognition."

###

About the National Grocers Association

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers' associations, manufacturers and service suppliers.

About The NGA Show

As the premier event for the independent grocery industry, The NGA Show brings together grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and suppliers from across the country for three days of learning, networking, and product discovery in Las Vegas. For 2026, we're excited to host the event at the MGM Grand Conference Center - allowing all attendees to gather under one roof for a more connected and convenient experience. Whether you're launching your first store or leading a multi-generational grocery business, The NGA Show offers the insights, innovations, and relationships that help independent grocers thrive.