If you had told my childhood self that one day I’d be writing about the importance of nutrition, I probably would have laughed mid-eye-roll. Growing up, my parents prioritized healthy eating which I saw as an obstacle between me and all the "fun" snacks my friends got to have. But now I realize how much those values shaped my understanding of food as fuel—not just for athletic performance, but for living a vivacious life.
Mindful Munch was born from that realization, but also from my personal experiences. My family’s health journey has made it impossible to ignore the connection between food access, nutrition, and long-term well-being. My mom is a type 1 diabetic, and because my brother and I have the marker for developing type 1, food was always more than just a meal—it was a way to manage health and prevent disease. Later when my dad was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and I personally suffered a stroke, the reality became even clearer: what we eat plays a role in everything from cognitive function to disease prevention.
The Problem: Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes
For many kids, access to nutritious food isn’t a given. In the U.S., 1 in 8 children (13 million) experience food insecurity, meaning they don’t always have access to the meals they need to grow, learn, and thrive. Meanwhile, 40% of food in the U.S. is wasted every year. The disconnect is staggering—there is more than enough food, yet so many kids are going without.
And the impact? Children who experience food insecurity are twice as likely to develop chronic health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease later in life. Only 40% of children eat enough fruit daily, and when it comes to vegetables, the number drops to just 2%. Poor nutrition isn’t just about physical health—it directly affects cognitive development, school performance, and even emotional well-being. Kids who aren’t properly nourished struggle to focus in school, perform worse academically, and are at greater risk for anxiety and depression.
A Circular Solution: Mindful Munch & Food Industry Waste
I didn’t just start Mindful Munch because of my family’s health history—I started it because of my love for sustainability and circularity. After years in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, I saw firsthand the shocking amount of perfectly good food that goes to waste due to expiration dates, packaging changes, or overproduction. Brands would often discard short-dated products that retailers wouldn’t accept, even though they were still completely safe and nutritious.
So I thought, what if we could take that surplus and get it to the kids who need it most? So that’s exactly what Mindful Munch does. We rescue short-dated, shelf-stable snacks from food brands and distribute them to after-school programs across Utah. We also provide nutrition education—because feeding kids today is important, but giving them the knowledge to make healthier choices for life is just as critical.
Fueling the Future with Gnarly Nutrition & Ultra Running
Running ultras has reinforced everything I believe about food as fuel. Whether it’s a long training day or race day, I rely on proper nutrition to perform at my best. That’s why I’m excited to not only fuel myself with Gnarly products but also bring that same concept to kids—because every child deserves the chance to reach their potential, move their bodies, and fuel their best selves.
Mindful Munch isn’t just about redistributing food—it’s about creating a sustainable, long-term solution to food insecurity. It’s about showing kids that they are worthy of health, nutrition, and the chance to thrive.
