The National Grocers Association (NGA) presented the Peter J. Larkin Award for Community Service to Ohio-based Walt Churchill’s Market during the opening session of The NGA Show in Las Vegas on Feb. 1.
The award honors independent grocers that exemplify exceptional dedication to community engagement and service.
For more than 100 years, Walt Churchill’s Market has served as a neighborhood grocer while making community service a core part of its mission.
Operating stores in Maumee and Perrysburg, both southwest of Toledo, the employee-owned company has built a legacy rooted in generosity, civic leadership and local partnerships.
A cornerstone of the grocer’s community impact is its ongoing commitment to fighting hunger. It regularly donates fresh food to local food banks to help ensure families in need have access to nutritious meals.
The market’s signature Stuff the Truck Food Drive, which engages customers and employees, benefits the Seagate Food Bank and is further amplified by its contribution of a percentage of sales, which increases the program’s reach and impact.
Walt Churchill’s Market also aids 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 two communities.
“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 and 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.”
The NGA Show took place Feb. 1-3 at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. The event brings together grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and suppliers from across the country for three days of learning, networking and product discovery.