Advocacy
Overview
IFDA IS A PROACTIVE AND VOCAL LEADER FOR foodservice distribution IN THE LEGISLATIVE ARENA AND WITH REGULATORY AGENCIES in washington
Through targeted advocacy efforts, collaborative partnerships, and informed dialogue, IFDA effectively represents foodservice distributor interests on key issues and provides IFDA members with information and resources on federal and state policies affecting the industry.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF IFDA’S POLICY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM
Legislative and Regulatory
- IFDA engages and educates U.S. lawmakers and federal agency officials to shape policy on priority issues affecting foodservice distribution.
- IFDA leads and/or joins coalition efforts to expand visibility and reach on priority issues
Grassroots
IFDA helps members develop relationships with their lawmakers—and support IFDA advocacy efforts—by organizing:
- Meetings and facility visits with U.S. lawmakers,
- Letter-writing campaigns to Congress, and
- IFDA’s Washington Insight Conference —the premier fly-in for foodservice distributors
Political
(IFDAPAC)
Through IFDAPAC, IFDA enables foodservice distributors to speak with one voice in the political process by supporting incumbents and new candidates for federal office whose votes and/or positions align with the interests of the industry
State
- IFDA informs members about state legislation and regulations affecting foodservice distributors
- IFDA connects member companies with allied national and state organizations that may be able to assist in specific state advocacy efforts
IFDA’S PRIORITY ISSUES
Food Safety
Foodservice distributors deliver nearly 33 million cases of food and related products to over one million professional kitchens daily, including restaurants, K-12 schools, hospitals and care facilities, and other foodservice operations that make meals away from home possible. IFDA and its members are fully committed to supplying safe food products and favor practical policies that advance food safety.
Labor
Foodservice distributors operate 17,100 distribution centers and directly employ 431,000 people in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. IFDA actively advocates for labor policies that provide workplace stability, encourage job growth, and strengthen the pipeline of workers in the industry.
Tax
Foodservice distribution is a $380+ billion industry, and pro-growth tax policies are crucial to enabling communities throughout the U.S. to have access to affordable food options. IFDA works to ensure tax policy affecting our members is fair and pragmatic and supports economic growth and opportunity.
Transportation
Foodservice distributors operate over 168,000 delivery vehicles with an average distribution route of 219 miles and approximately 11 stops per trip. IFDA works to shape transportation policies that facilitate the safe, seamless, and efficient movement of foodservice products and supplies to communities across the nation.
Take Action
IFDA provides valuable grassroots opportunities, connecting members with federal lawmakers to express views on key legislation important to the foodservice distribution industry and to conduct facility visits.