IFDA Honors Bipartisan Leaders With 2026 Changemaker Award

U.S. Representatives Rick Crawford and Jared Golden recognized for bipartisan leadership with DRIVE Safe Act

MCLEAN, Va. (May 14, 2026) — The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) has named Representatives Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Jared Golden (D-ME) the 2026 Changemaker Award recipients. The award was presented during the association’s Washington Insight Conference, held May 12-13, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Reps. Crawford and Golden are recognized for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the DRIVE Safe Act, legislation aimed at addressing the nationwide shortage of commercial truck drivers while strengthening safety training standards for younger drivers entering the workforce.

With anticipated driver retirements and expected growth in capacity over the next decade, the DRIVE Safe Act will ensure the safe and seamless movement of food products in our country into the future, while also promoting enhanced safety training for emerging members of the growing workforce. The bill would create a pathway for qualified drivers under the age of 21 to operate in interstate commerce through a rigorous apprenticeship program, helping expand the talent pipeline for industries such as foodservice distribution that are reliant on efficient and resilient supply chains.

“IFDA is proud to recognize Representatives Crawford and Golden as the 2026 Changemaker Award recipients,” said Mala Parker, senior vice president of government and public affairs at IFDA. “Their leadership on the DRIVE Safe Act reflects a strong commitment to strengthening the food supply chain, supporting workforce development, and advancing safety-focused solutions for our industry.”

Foodservice distributors play a critical role in delivering food and related products to restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other institutions nationwide. By championing policies that expand workforce opportunities, Reps. Crawford and Golden have demonstrated the type of bipartisan collaboration and forward-thinking leadership the Changemaker Award is designed to recognize.

“The DRIVE Safe Act is an important step to helping train a new generation of commercial truck drivers and get our commercial economy delivering again,” said Congressman Crawford. “Allowing qualified 18-to-20-year-olds to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines, just as they already do within their home states, is a commonsense step toward addressing workforce shortages and improving supply chain efficiency. It’s an honor to receive this award for my efforts to address truck driver shortages, reduce supply chain disruptions, and enhance safety and job opportunities for young drivers.”

“Rural communities like those I represent rely on truckers to get the things they need, when they need them. From basics like food, clothes and medicine to construction supplies and equipment, truck drivers keep our families and small businesses connected to the rest of the world,” said Congressman Golden.“The DRIVE Safe Act will support young drivers’ careers, bolster supply chains and keep our economy moving. I’m grateful for this recognition from the IFDA, and for their advocacy on an issue that’s so important for rural communities.”

About the Award
Established in 2025, the IFDA Changemaker Award recognizes bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers whose congressional activities have meaningfully advanced key priorities of the foodservice distribution industry. Changemakers take initiative, focus on substantive action and are willing to reach across the aisle to achieve positive outcomes for our industry. Changemakers stand out compared to their peers for their leadership and ability to impact change.

About IFDA
The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) is the premier trade organization representing the $400 billion foodservice distribution industry. This industry ensures a safe and efficient supply of food and products to more than one million restaurants and foodservice outlets in the U.S. daily. Learn more at ifdaonline.org.

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Media Contact:
Caitlyn Blizzard
Director of Communications
cblizzard@ifdaonline.org