Fueling Change in Dumfries: Freddy Gilmore and Dejurne McCall Champion Wellness Through Food and Fitness

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In Dumfries, Virginia, a new wave of wellness is taking hold—driven by flavorful meals, purposeful movement, and a shared mission to inspire healthier living. At the center of this movement are two local leaders: Freddy Gilmore, founder of That Bowl Meal Prep, and Dejurne McCall, Marine Corps veteran. Together, they’re proving that when food and fitness come together, lives can be changed.

Freddy’s journey is rooted in personal transformation. After once weighing over 300 pounds and struggling with his own health, he knew something had to change. A passionate chef, he had always loved to cook and stay active—but the results weren’t coming. He began to rethink everything: his relationship with food, his mental health, and how he could use his story to help others.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Chef Freddy served in the United States Navy as a Chief Petty Officer,  before becoming a certified nutritionist, earning credentials from Johnson & Wales University and ISSA. He brings his military discipline, nutrition expertise, and deep passion for community to his business and personal life.

In 2018, he started That Bowl Meal Prep out of his own home, preparing meals for friends and clients looking to eat better. After taking a few years off to open a restaurant, Freddy relaunched That Bowl with a bigger vision: to make healthy food exciting, accessible, and full of flavor.

Today, That Bowl is thriving—serving three out of five towns in the county, with more than 100 active clients, partnerships with gyms like Method Gym in Del City, and weekly meal pickups at his restaurant. He’s working to launch a delivery service and envisions opening another gym with a healthy cafe, where food and fitness can live under one roof. Freddy currently trains his clients through his Personal Training and Group Fitness programs, SOS FIT, at Tribute Training and Performance in Dumfries VA. 

“Fitness and health go hand in hand,” says Freddy. “But it all starts with your mindset. Every fitness goal begins with working on your mental health first. I truly believe the first step in fighting the mental health crisis is changing your diet and your relationship with food. Once you feel better mentally, you're more motivated to move your body, improve your mobility, and live more fully. It’s not about vanity—it’s about asking yourself: How do I feel? Do I want to get my steps in today? Can I do these pushups? Are my kids seeing me live better? Am I being a good influence? Will I be able to throw the ball or run around with my grandkids? When people start thinking that way, they realize the real reason to make a change. It’s not just about them—it’s about the people who love them and deserve the best version of them.”

On the fitness side, Freddy works closely with Dejurne McCall, a Marine Corps veteran who now leads free community workout classes on the Ginn Memorial Park Fitness Court. 

The weekly sessions on the Fitness Court regularly draw people from the community, offering not just physical training but a powerful sense of purpose. This April, they’re hosting a book drive for Autism Awareness Month—anyone who donates a book receives a ribbon and is entered into a raffle for five free meals from That Bowl.

The idea for these classes began with a conversation between Freddy and Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood, a longtime friend and fellow wellness advocate. The two reconnected at the opening of a local gym—Freddy catering the event, and the Mayor showing his support for health and wellness in the community. Inspired by their shared goals, Freddy and Mayor Wood had the idea for community workouts at the Fitness Court—and Mayor Wood even joined one of the first sessions himself.

At NFC, we’re proud to work alongside community leaders like Mayor Wood, Freddy Gilmore, and Dejurne McCall—people who are turning personal passion into community impact. Together, they are redefining what wellness looks like in Dumfries: inclusive, consistent, and deeply rooted in care for others.

“You’re loved ones deserve the best you. And the best you starts with your mental and physical health being in check—because then everything else will fall in line.”

You can follow Freddy's journey on his Instagram accounts, That Bowl Meal Prep and SOS Fit.