Katie Maunz is an Atwater’s Belvedere Square alum, living out her dream of having her own farm. Along with her sister, Anna, Katie is growing food, which is then distributed directly to shareholders in the farm through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
Anna & Katie smiling because they love their farm!
Each week, Katie and Anna schlep from the farm, near Gettysburg to Baltimore City with a truckload of whatever is fresh and ripe. The CSA members, who have paid in advance to support the farm’s costs, fill up a market bag with produce and take it home…it doesn’t get more farm to table than that!
Even though Atwater’s has lost Katie to the farm, it is great to see her each week and we are also happy to support the farm by featuring the wonderful produce.
Last week, Katie was nice enough to answer a few questions that will hopefully inspire future farmers and maybe some future Atwater’s employees too!
Where are you from?
Bethlehem, PA
How did you end up at Atwater’s?
A friend took me to lunch there when I was looking for a job. The funny part is, they were reluctant to hire me because I only had three months before leaving for work in Massachusetts, but when I mentioned that job was on a farm, they hired me right away.
How long did you work at Atwater’s?
3 years, between working at the farm.
When did your dream of having a farm begin?
As a kid, I participated in an after school program called “Kid’s on the Hill” and I knew I wanted to work with kids and food. Later I apprenticed and worked at Reid’s Orchard.
What is the hardest part of farming?
the heat.
Is it harder or easier than expected?
Easier. I’m stressed, but it’s going well; the soil is good.
What is the best part of farming?
Seeing people eat your food.
What is your favorite food.
Fruit…and kale.
Where is your “happy place”?
in the sunshine.
To find out more, visit the Anam Cara Harvest website to read about the farm and follow Katie and Anna through their blog as they chronicle the adventures of their first year farming. And stop by Atwater’s to enjoy the fruits of their labor. It’s a dream come true!
