Nourishing Our Community Through the Cold Months: Local Businesses Lead With Heart and Healthy Food

As winter settles in and the cold season puts our immune systems to the test, two local businesses- Hang 10 Poké and Into the Woods Wellness- are proving that nourishing food can be both comforting and transformative. Their approaches may differ, but their mission is the same: help our community feel its best by offering wholesome, accessible nutrition rooted in care.

At Hang 10 Poké, owner Kean O’Brien brings years of sushi-chef experience and a personal health journey to the table- literally. After losing 100 pounds and learning firsthand how nutrition shapes well-being, O’Brien wanted to create a place where people with dietary restrictions never feel left out. “Most of the commercially available food today is heavily processed,” he shared, so Hang 10 keeps recipes simple, fresh, and customizable, with a mostly gluten-free menu and a willingness to adapt to customers’ needs. It’s not unusual for guests to thank O’Brien simply for existing- proof that having a safe, flavorful option means more than just a good meal. This winter, the Big Blue Yummy food truck and the downtown location continue serving bowls that help folks feel energized, satisfied, and truly cared for.

Meanwhile, at Into the Woods Wellness, CEO Kaitlyn Kenealy and founder Katie Abhold are weaving nutrition into whole-person healing. Built on the belief that “food is medicine,” the center blends mental health care, nutrition, and physical wellness under one roof. From their Wellness That Moves meal-prep program to cooking demos, mindful eating education, and their soon-to-launch healthy food truck, Woodie, the team is creating accessible systems that support families year-round- especially when cold weather makes it harder to stay nourished. They see the impact daily: families eating better, clients returning for community connection, and busy professionals breathing easier knowing a healthy meal is within reach.

Both businesses remind us that thriving through winter isn’t about perfection- it’s about intention, nourishment, and community support. Whether you’re customizing a bowl at Hang 10 Poké or learning new kitchen skills with Into the Woods, these local leaders are helping keep Fond du Lac fueled, warm, and well this season. Stay tuned as we continue to connect with more local businesses rooted in wellness!