FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A parent’s hard work can leave a lasting impression on a child, from the lessons they share at home to the example they set in their careers.
At the 2026 International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) National Championship, Fleet Advantage (FA) celebrated the 10th year of sponsoring the event’s Children’s Writing and Drawing Contests, giving young family members a chance to recognize the drivers and warehouse operators who inspire them and serve as their inspiration.
IFDA National Championship
The IFDA National Championship brought together leading professionals from across the foodservice distribution industry to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and commitment to safety. The event also provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication and expertise of the drivers and warehouse operators who play an essential role in keeping the nation’s food supply chain moving.
Children’s Writing and Drawing Contests
“Reaching 10 years of sponsoring the children’s contests is a meaningful milestone for Fleet Advantage because it reflects our longstanding appreciation for the families who tirelessly support this industry,” said Katerina Jones, CMO, FA. “The children’s entries offer a unique perspective on the impact drivers and warehouse operators have beyond their work, and it’s always inspiring to see how they express their pride in the loved ones they look up to. We’re proud to continue supporting an initiative that recognizes these personal connections and the next generation of foodservice distribution families.”
Sharing What Make a Child’s Parent or Relative Special
The children’s contests offer a personal perspective on an industry often recognized for its operational demands and essential role in the food supply chain. Through their entries, children can share what makes their parent or relative special, highlighting the qualities they admire both on and off the job.
Children in second grade and below participate in the Drawing Contest by creating a picture that illustrates why their championship participant is special to them. The Writing Contest, open to children in third grade and above, invites participants to answer three questions about their participant. Entries are evaluated on originality, creativity and clarity of thought, with an emphasis on personal expression and meaningful connections.
Bringing Families Together
“Thanks to Fleet Advantage for its 10 years of support for the IFDA National Championship,” said Lisa Broyhill, vice president of industry relations, IFDA. “Its sponsorship of our Kids Contests helps us celebrate the people behind foodservice distribution through the eyes of the children who look up to them. As we mark the Championship’s 40th anniversary, we’re especially grateful for this partnership and its role in bringing our industry’s families together.”
Prizes and Awards
To recognize the children’s efforts, writing contest prizes are awarded across three grade-level categories: third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade, and ninth through 12th grade. Each category awards $150 for first place, $100 for second place and $75 for third place. The Drawing Contest winner received a gift basket from Fleet Advantage.
Winners
This year’s Drawing Contest winner, for children in second grade and below, was Cataleya Casaus, whose parent participant is Ambrose Casaus of Shamrock Foods.
In the Writing Contest third- through fifth-grade category, Aumber Singh, daughter of Harjinder Singh from Mondelez, earned first place for her heartfelt description.
“My dad reminds me of Mufasa from the Lion King because he’s brave and strong,” Singh said. “He makes me feel safe and teaches me how to be brave and believe in myself.”
Singh also earned first place in the category in 2025, marking her second consecutive year as a winner.
Shirley Novlan, whose participant is Raymond Novlan from Performance Food Group, took second place, while Alina Rodriguez, whose participant is Reynaldo Rodriguez from Ben E. Keith Foods, placed third.
In the sixth- through eighth-grade writing category, Yardley Pritchard, whose participant is Nathan Carswell from Performance Food Group, earned first place for recognizing the early hours and dedication her family member demonstrates to provide for their family.
“My [participant] is my hero because everyday while the family is still asleep, he has already delivered to at least three stops, perhaps onto his fourth,” Pritchard said. “He is always going to work early in the morning into the afternoon to provide for us and give us a great life.”
Braelyn Zawchenuk, whose participant is Michael Zawchenuk from Performance Food Group, placed second, while Macy Wallizer, whose participant is Eli Wallizer from Ben E. Keith Foods, earned third place.
Rounding out the ninth- through 12th-grade writing category, Weston Ricks, whose participant is Billy Ricks from Ben E. Keith Foods, took first place for his reflection on the wisdom he gains from his father.
“My favorite thing to do with my participant is to talk,” Ricks said. “My father is 38, and I’m 16. He has 22 years on me which is 22 years of wisdom.”
Emilie Ditscheit, daughter of Mark Ditscheit from Performance Food Group, earned second place, while Morgan Sinclair, whose participant is Michael Sinclair from Performance Food Group, placed third. Ditscheit also continued her streak as a contest winner, earning a place among the top three for the third consecutive year after winning first place in 2025.
Recognizing Hard Work and Sacrifice
The 2026 winners demonstrate how children recognize the hard work, guidance and everyday sacrifices of the professionals they admire. Their entries also underscore the close connection between the foodservice distribution workforce and the families who support them. Reaching this 10-year milestone reflects Fleet Advantage’s sustained commitment to the people behind foodservice distribution. By giving children a platform to recognize the individuals they look up to, the contests bring a family-centered perspective to the championship and celebrate the influence these professionals have beyond their daily responsibilities.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe.
