Breaking the Silence: A Talk with Jonathan Tate on First Responder Mental Health
Mental health continues to be one of the most urgent, and often overlooked, issues facing first responders. In this powerful Equipped Talk, we sit down with Jonathan Tate, a veteran DC Firefighter and founder of Food on the Stove, to explore how one firefighter turned a personal mission into a movement that’s nourishing the bodies and minds of first responders across the country.
Since founding Food on the Stove in 2017, Tate has helped deliver over 100,000 healthy meals to departments in need, starting with just six. His story is a testament to the power of purpose, and the real change that can happen when health and wellness become part of the conversation.
The Inspiration Behind Food on the Stove
The idea for Food on the Stove came from a harsh reality: 44% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths are caused by heart attacks. Even more alarming, studies suggest firefighters may live 10 to 15 years less than the average American worker.
“Firefighters are the only occupation that cooks all three meals while at work,” Tate shared. “Food on the Stove encourages firefighters to take control of their health by educating them and providing access to healthier meals.”
What began as a small initiative has grown into a regional movement, helping first responders nourish their bodies and extend their years of service and life.
Launching Food for Thought
While Food on the Stove focuses on physical health, Jonathan Tate’s latest initiative, Food for Thought, tackles another critical challenge: mental health. The idea had been in his heart for three years, but a tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C. served as the catalyst to finally bring it to life.
“There’s a lot of stress that comes with the job,” Tate shared. “We wanted to take a proactive approach to mental health awareness and build a sense of community around food.”
In the wake of the crash, Tate and his team provided meals at the casualty collection site and partnered with local restaurants to support those on the frontlines. As media attention faded, the trauma lingered. Food for Thought created a space where first responders, from DC Fire and EMS to MPD and medical directors, could gather weekly, not necessarily to relive their experiences, but to be seen, supported, and reminded they weren’t alone.
"We wanted to let them know that they had a space where they were welcome. Not necessarily to share their traumatic experiences, but to know that there is a community of people who welcome open arms, willing to support you in any way that's needed.
We hope that before we reach a point where it's kind of a breaking point in your mental health, we can create this community that allows you to begin to share things that you're seeing on a day-to-day basis because that plane collision was one incident. But first responders deal with traumatic incidents every day."
Because while a plane crash may grab headlines, Tate knows the real story is what first responders carry with them every day.
Changing the Mental Health Narrative
Tate feels the stigma around mental health has started to shift. Being a firefighter requires a certain amount of bravado, as they run into a building while people run out. Mental health among first responders was not addressed in the past, but Tate says, “that’s starting to change.”
Today, more first responders and the communities they serve are recognizing that mental wellness is just as critical as physical safety. Peer support teams, mental health first aid, and early intervention programs are becoming more common across departments.
“We’re realizing you never know how something might affect someone,” Tate explained. “We can’t wait until after a crisis to bring in peer support. We need support prior to the event before someone loses their life. So that's where Food for Thought comes into play.”
By opening up honest conversations and creating safe spaces, Tate hopes to redefine what strength looks like in the fire service, starting with showing up for one another, long before a moment of crisis.
Personal Impact: Leading with Compassion
In the past decade, DC Fire & EMS has lost five members to suicide. While Jonathan Tate didn’t know these individuals closely, the losses hit hard and deepened his commitment to supporting mental health in the fire service.
"People are more willing to share when they know you care. That's the environment we're trying to create, letting first responders know that we care. This is about how we help you. Let us meet you where you are and see if we can take the proper steps or point you in the right direction to the right resources to help you better yourself."
Creating Space for Real Conversations
From the start, Food for Thought was designed around one core principle: smaller groups lead to stronger connections. Groups meet weekly over food and have conversations about the pressures they face on and off the job.
Sessions include discussions on building resilience in high-stress environments, led by Silas Grant. Partners from Wise Choice Counseling, a certified trauma therapist, and GW Art Therapy also participate with the small groups.
Real People, Real Impact
The feedback has been powerful. First responders' express gratitude for having a space to be heard without judgment, without pressure. Over time, Tate hopes these gatherings will spark stories of transformation, recovery, and renewed strength.
The Connection Between Wellness and Mental Health
To Tate, mental wellness and physical health go hand in hand. He likens firefighters to elite athletes, but with one key difference.
“They are playing a game, and we are not. It's game day at any time for us. We are physically well, psychologically well because your life depends on this, right? So, what we see in the first responder space, you can't outwork a bad diet.
Through both Food on the Stove and Food for Thought, Tate is advocating for a holistic approach to health, one that begins with what we put in our bodies and continues through how we take care of our minds.
Why First Responders Hesitate to Seek Help
Despite growing awareness, significant barriers still prevent many first responders from reaching out for support. Tate identifies three common reasons:
Pride: In a profession built on bravery, asking for help can feel like a sign of weakness.
Job Security: Some fear that seeking support might jeopardize their position or reputation.
Separation: The risk of being removed from a trusted unit can discourage people from speaking up.
Understanding these barriers is the first step toward breaking them down. That’s why Food for Thought emphasizes peer-driven support and proactive wellness; meeting responders where they are, before a crisis hits.
Supporting First Responders at Home
Families play a vital role, too. Tate encourages loved ones to focus on presence over pressure.
Tate encourages families to offer love and understanding. “They can love that person, respect who they are as a person, and create a loving, caring environment for them.
How to Support the Mission
Food on the Stove and Food for Thought are community-powered initiatives. Volunteers, donors, and partners help make it all possible and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Upcoming events are held during National EMS Week, including a fundraiser during the annual ER Summit. They also host a yearly Dress Blue Gala, which uses powerful storytelling to honor the fire and EMS community.
For more details and to support the mission, visit foodonthestove.org.
A Final Word
Tate closed our conversation with a simple but powerful reminder:
“Love a firefighter. Love a first responder, police officer, ER nurse, and say thank you whenever you get the chance. Let them know their work is not in vain.”
We’re grateful to Jonathan Tate for his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to the mental and physical health of those who serve.