Meet our new Program Coordinator Anton Fatula
Hello!
My name is Anton Fatula and I’m blogging with all the excitement of joining Raleigh City Farm as Program Coordinator! Since graduating from Penn State I’ve been lucky to work with many lovely people and places; I’ve done programming, education, and farming with Penn State’s Sustainable Food Systems Network and Student Farm, I’ve farmed at an organic veggie farm in Denmark and a small-scale olive oil producer in France, and I’ve cooked in two fine dining kitchens in Copenhagen and in Durham, NC. I look forward to getting to know the Raleigh City Farm community and have answered these five questions from the team so that you can know a little more about me.
What brought you to food systems?
Our food has been separated in many ways from the natural world and, as a result, so have we. I’m drawn to food systems because I’m inspired by the farmers, gardeners, and cooks that are actively fighting this separation by growing food alongside the environment, rather than against it. I think that this way of engaging with food can help us rewrite our understanding of nature and of ourselves, especially when this food is grown and shared communally.
Why did you choose Raleigh City Farm?
The people, both staff and community members, are undoubtedly what drew me to Raleigh City Farm. It’s been clear from the start just how impactful the farm has been for the neighborhood, and learning more about what brought each team member to farming and where they see themselves within the larger movement of sustainable food reflected many of the inspirations that brought me to this space. Because of this I was sure that I wanted to get involved.
What perspective do you hope to bring to the team?
I come from a small rural community in central Pennsylvania built on farming and the outdoors. While urban farming is a crucial part of the landscape, I think that it’s equally important to acknowledge the difference between these spaces and what the majority of the food system looks like. I’m excited to highlight this while we as a community explore a more accurate understanding of what we’re eating and where that comes from.
What’s your favorite vegetable?
Leeks, of course! There are just so many things you can do with a good leek, and I think they’re fun to harvest too! Leeks would probably be VERY fun to juggle, but sadly I haven’t figured out how to do that…… yet.
What makes you most excited about working with Raleigh City Farm?
Working on farms has been a healing, empowering, and liberating experience for me and for many of those who’ve worked alongside me. I want to help the farm become a space where this idea is accessible to all, and I want to help the community explore it through farming, cooking, eating, and creating together.