Meet Our Farmers: Chubby Bunny Farm
We’re proud of Washington’s small farms, proud of the shoppers who support them, and proud of the work we do to create connections among these groups to help ensure that quality, local foods continue to be available to nourish the whole community. Ever wonder about your favorite farmer or vendor’s backstory? Read on and Meet Your Farmer!
Chubby Bunny Farm is nestled on about two acres in the Cascade Mountains near Mount Pilchuck, WA. Farmers Michael and Melina work the land under their own steam, with no employees to share the load. The two are beloved at the Phinney Farmers Market, where they greet newcomers and regulars with warm smiles.
The bustle of farm life suits farmers Michael and Melina of Chubby Bunny Farm, beloved for the gorgeous produce they bring to the Phinney Farmers Market. Michael, the original founder of Chubby Bunny, is an Ohio native with farming “in his blood.” His path to farming wasn't exactly linear. Michael started an early career in business management and after traveling for a spell, could no longer ignore the urge to get his hands dirty. He decided to settle in the Cascade Mountains.
Chubby Bunny Farm focuses on vegetables, pigs, ducks, and of course, rabbits. Following a minimal waste ethos, the rabbits’ diet is balanced with leftover vegetables from the farm. As is explained here on the Chubby Bunny website.
“Rabbits are both environmentally negligible and simple to raise... Requiring very little space and no heavy machinery, rabbitries can be set up in a backyard or under a grove of peaceful Alders... rabbits can provide sustenance for both the farmer and his (or her) fields without commanding huge amounts of resources.”
In 2016, Melina Maeve brought her food systems experience to Chubby Bunny. She and Michael met while volunteering at a food bank, and through their shared love of service, a farming and life partnership grew. Melina and Michael are engaged!
During a typical year, Chubby Bunny Farm can be found at the seasonal Phinney Farmers Market. Keep up to date about how to support small local businesses like Chubby Bunny Farm by checking our Shopper Sourcing Guide and signing up for our weekly Ripe + Ready email.
In 2017 the Good Farmer Fund helped Chubby Bunny Farm when they needed extra money immediately in order to build a greenhouse. Chubby Bunny’s greenhouse allows them to extend their growing season and get to market earlier in the season and with more produce. Learn more about the Good Farmer Fund here.
