Meet Dave, fit-flavors’ current Grill Cook. Since joining the company in 2019, he has embodied our core values by cultivating a family atmosphere both within the company and in our community. Dave’s involvement in Fearsome - a non-profit organization designed to raise awareness and funds for those with Multiple Sclerosis - demonstrates this perfectly.
I recently sat down with Dave to discuss how he became involved with Fearsome, his role in the organization, and the future of their fundraising efforts.
What is Fearsome and how did you become involved with it?
My friend, Jennifer, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2016. After re-learning how to walk, she decided to push back against the disease, taking up long-distance hiking. In 2023, we tackled the biggest hurdle of all: thru-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail, a 2,198.4 mile trek to be completed over the course of 8 months. This journey was the inception of Fearsome, a non-profit organization that has raised over $25,000 in our first year to support the nearly 1 million Americans fighting MS.
Jennifer and Dave, Appalachian Trail, 2023
What was your role during the journey?
As Jennifer's personal chef along the journey, I was responsible for handling what we ate and the resupply logistics. For those with an autoimmune disease like MS, an autoimmune protocol diet - that is, a specific diet centered around whole foods - helps minimize symptoms. Things like dairy, lectins, gluten and soy aggravate the symptoms of MS, so ensuring we avoided those things during our journey was imperative to completing the trip.
After figuring out the specifics of what we would eat, I had to figure out how to get it there. The solution: freeze dried, lightweight food to be delivered to nearby towns so we could restock every 3-4 days.
3-4 days worth of food on the trail
What is Fearsome up to now?
We are in the process of building a solid foundation for Fearsome. Developing core values, a mission statement, etc, while still actively raising money. We are also setting up a booth at Trail Days 2024, an event in Damascus Virginia celebrating those who attempt to thru-hike the entirety of the Appalachian Trail.
Dave’s involvement with Jennifer and Fearsome is in lockstep with fit-flavors’ commitment to support and uplift individuals and organizations in need. We are proud to be an official sponsor of Fearsome, and even more proud to have an individual like Dave on our team.
Dave’s story resonates with many of our customers here at fit-flavors who rely on us to manage their chronic conditions. Food is medicine, and we’re honored to be your first resource in healthy eating.