WASHINGTON – The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) announced today that U.S. Representative Mike Bost has been named a recipient of the 2018 Thomas Jefferson Award. The bi-annual award recognizes legislators whose voting record indicates strong support of policies that enable the U.S. foodservice distribution industry to create well-paying jobs, grows their businesses, and contribute to their local communities.

“Our favorite restaurants in Southern Illinois couldn't serve their customers without the foodservice distributors working to ensure access to a safe and efficient food supply,” said Bost. “I’m proud to receive the Thomas Jefferson Award and will continue to support policies in Congress that create jobs and also ensure a safe, efficient food supply.”

“The foodservice distribution industry plays a vital role in our economy and culture, providing pay and benefits well above the national average,” said IFDA President and CEO Mark S. Allen. “Congressman Bost recognizes the important contributions of this industry and his continued support is to be commended.”

With a combined annual sales volume of almost $300 billion, foodservice distributors play a crucial role in our nation’s infrastructure. The industry ensures a safe and efficient supply chain of food and products for more than one million restaurants and foodservice outlets in the U.S. every day.

The program was introduced in 1992 and was inspired by Thomas Jefferson, who in his first inaugural address said, “A wise and frugal government … shall leave men … free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.”

 

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