A D.C.-area meal prep company is launching a new initiative to feed first responders going through financial hardship.
Beginning on the Fourth of July, Muscle Cell Health’s “Operation Fuel The Force” will deliver one free meal per day to first responders, including military members.
The startup’s founder, Marine Corps veteran and former Arlington County Sheriff’s Office deputy Fernando Arceo, hopes the program will support first responders’ health in addition to helping them through difficult times.
“I remember in the military we would get injured, and we would not go to medical because we like to be seen as the tough guy,” Arceo said. “I think that if people can let us know, at least, or give us some kind of a clue that someone is going through a rough time, we’ll do the rest of the work.”
First responders can either nominate themselves for the program, or they can be nominated by friends and family.
The initiative, based out of a kitchen in Lorton, will serve people in Northern Virginia, D.C., Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.
During Arceo’s time in law enforcement, he observed local meal prep companies finding success. After quitting his job in 2020, Arceo got to work setting up Muscle Cell, which launched last year.
The company strives to make all of its meals healthy and affordable. They sell for $8.97 and options include a chili verde beef bowl, lime-soy fajita stir fry and lemon ginger chicken with mango-pineapple salsa.
“I think [other places] are over-charging. We aren’t under-charging. They’re over-charging. A meal shouldn’t be that expensive,” Arceo said.
Operation Fuel the Force is designed to be a financial boost for first responders in need, but Arceo is adamant about the health benefits of these free meals as well.
“We don’t cook just anything,” Arceo said. “We have to make sure that it’s on the healthier side. We believe that our food is going to help people. It’s going to help communities … If you have a healthier individual, if you have a healthier group, that group of people is going to be more efficient.”
Ultimately, Acreo believes the program will result in more paying customers. More than anything, though, he says the initiative is about giving back.
“I just hope that we can get the word out, not for the sake of the business,” he said. “This is for the sake of helping people and helping first responders, specifically. Of course, we would be more than happy to help anyone. But first responders is really where the heart is.”
