The entire Marketplace Food’s teams at all four Minot locations share the award, which will travel between the stores in the next year.

The NDGA lauded the Marketplace Foods team for the variety of ways they’ve served and participated in the community individually, including serving on town boards, supporting schools and community programs, volunteering at food pantries, serving as first responders and community volunteers. Zac Miller, Marketplace Foods vice president of Retail, listed a number of companywide efforts, including contributions to organizations such as Horn of Plenty and Alzheimer’s awareness.

“As a fellow employee, I am very proud to say I work at Marketplace Foods with all of our great employee owners. Your dedication, compassion and community spirit sets an amazing example for all,” Miller said.

NDGA President John Dyste said the award was created last year and was given to an individual, but when he received the nomination for Marketplace Food team, he thought it made perfect sense.

Charles Crane/MDN Marketplace Foods employees pose outside the 1930 S. Broadway location in Minot after receiving the 2025 Community Service Award from the North Dakota Grocers Association.

“Not usually one individual in a store does everything by themselves. I was here when you had your cake decorating extravaganza, and I was amazed how the community came together. I’ve been amazed through the years. A grocery store is important to the community, and your efforts to reach out to the community is recognized,” Dyste said. “From the person who greets you when you walk in to the person who checks you out, everybody on the team doesn’t always get recognized like they should be, and this is one very small way of showing that we appreciate and recognize the good they do.”