National Grocers Association Honors Carlos Castro with the Prestigious Spirit of America Award

May 23, 2024

Washington D.C. - The National Grocers Association (NGA) is proud to announce Carlos Castro, owner of Todos Supermarkets in Woodbridge, Virginia, as the recipient of the 2024 NGA Spirit of America Award. Established in 1982, this esteemed award recognizes key industry and community leaders for their exceptional contributions to community service and government relations on behalf of the independent supermarket industry. Castro received the award during NGA's Fly-In for Fair Competition, held May 21-22 in Washington, D.C.

"Carlos is a pillar of his community and has been a tireless advocate for independent grocers, using his voice to bring commonsense solutions to the forefront. From his stores to the halls of Washington, D.C., Carlos's persistent efforts ensure that policymakers recognize the vital role grocers play in communities nationwide. NGA is proud to honor Carlos with this award for his unwavering dedication to the independent supermarket industry," said NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara.

Castro not only serves his community but is also a national leader as a member of the NGA Board of Directors, helping guide NGA's advocacy efforts for more than 21,000 independent community grocers across the country. In his advocacy efforts, Carlos has testified before the House Committee on Small Business, sharing insights on how federal regulations impact small businesses. He has also represented independent grocers at a White House roundtable discussion with President Biden on America's supply chain challenges. Notably, he has fostered bipartisan relationships, hosting both U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) in his stores.

Over the years, the NGA Spirit of America Award has become a prominent and memorable acknowledgment of the dedication of more than 550 recipients, including past Presidents George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford, former Vice President Dan Quayle, former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell, and former Speaker of the House Tom Foley.