Jonathan Tate: ‘I know I’m supposed to bring healthier meals into the firehouse’

We hope you’re hungry today, not only for food but inspiration as well, because today’s episode, which is sponsored by L3Harris, features Jonathan Tate, a DC Fire & EMS firefighter and the founder of Food on the Stove, a nonprofit organization with a simple mission: “While firefighters extinguish fires caused by food on the stove, our organization promotes safe and heart-healthy eating habits to improve the food on their stoves and, ultimately, protect their quality of life.”

Tate shares the catalyst for creating the nonprofit, offers simple nutrition and health tips, and details the upcoming event “International Firefighters Weekend,” which coincides with International Firefighters Day and the NFFF Memorial Weekend.

Plus, we get into all this: A Lamborghini/garbage can analogy for the food we eat; the pandemic problem that prevented firefighters from getting the food needed to cook for the entire shift – and who came to their aid; and Tate's take on firefighters paying for their own food at the station.

Don’t miss: The new EMS acronym

Episode power quote: “I was 15 years old when my father passed, and I often tell people that Food on the Stove was started by a boy that missed his father.”

Hot seat sneak peek: The piece of advice he offers new firefighters.

Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!