New Orleans’ Ideal Market Receives Peter J. Larkin Community Service Award

The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent grocery industry, honored New Orleans-area grocery retailer Ideal Market with this year’s Peter J. Larkin Community Service Award during the opening session of the 2023 NGA Show, Sunday, Feb. 26, at Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Ideal Market was recognized for its efforts to administer Covid-19 vaccinations as well as its community outreach in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

“Independent grocers are known for their strong commitment to the communities they serve, not only providing food and fresh produce but consistently being there through good times and bad,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA President and CEO. “This strong connection was reinforced during the Covid-19 pandemic when Ideal Market was the first to provide free vaccines to the community. Then, during Hurricane Ida, they were the only grocery store chain in the area that kept their doors open, making sure the community was fed during challenging times. This award showcases the very best of our industry and it’s an honor to be here at The NGA Show to present this award to Ideal Market.”

The award, sponsored by Kimberly-Clark, was established in 2019 to recognize an independent retailer or wholesaler company for their unique and strong service to the community during the previous year.

“I’m honored to congratulate Ideal Market as the recipient of this year’s Peter Larkin Award for Community Service for providing crucial support to the members of its community,” said Denny Belcastro, Kimberly-Clark VP of industry affairs and customer development. “Kimberly-Clark is proud to support such an important award.”