Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association (NGA) today presented U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) with its prestigious Spirit of America Award during the 2026 Fly-In for Fair Competition in Washington, D.C.
Established in 1982, the Spirit of America Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in community service and government relations on behalf of the food distribution industry. Over the past four decades, our nation’s leaders have been chosen to receive this award, including an esteemed group such as Presidents George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford, Vice President Dan Quayle, General Colin Powell, and former Speaker Tom Foley.
Senator Marshall is being recognized for his steadfast support of independent grocers in Kansas and across the country, particularly his leadership in advancing policies that promote competition and fairness in the marketplace.
“Senator Marshall has been a tireless champion for independent grocers and the communities they serve,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA President & CEO. “His leadership on the Credit Card Competition Act is critical to leveling the playing field for independent grocers who operate on razor-thin margins. We are proud to recognize his continued commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace.”
The Credit Card Competition Act, a bipartisan measure introduced in the U.S. Senate and House, seeks to increase competition in the credit card processing market by requiring large financial institutions to enable routing transactions across at least two unaffiliated networks. The legislation aims to reduce costs for independent grocers and ultimately lower prices for consumers.
“Independent grocers are vital to keeping Kansas communities alive and growing. I’m honored to receive the Spirit of America Award from NGA,” said Senator Marshall. “I’ll keep fighting to rein in excessive swipe fees, boost competition, and make sure small businesses get a fair shake. When we do that, we’re not just helping grocers — we’re lowering prices for Kansas families at the checkout line.”
Local grocers echoed their appreciation for the Senator’s leadership.
“Senator Marshall understands firsthand the challenges independent grocers face because he’s taken the time to visit our stores and listen,” said Jenny Osner, owner of Hired Man’s Grocery & Grill. “From hosting him in Conway Springs to meeting with him in Washington, D.C. during NGA Fly-Ins, I’ve seen his commitment up close. He genuinely cares about small businesses and rural communities, and his support has made a real difference for grocers like me.”
The award was presented during NGA’s annual Fly-In for Fair Competition, where independent grocers, wholesalers, and state association leaders gather in Washington to advocate for policies that promote a level playing field in the grocery industry. Key priorities include enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act, passage of the Credit Card Competition Act, and ensuring a strong Farm Bill that supports nutrition programs like SNAP.
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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.