North Valley Food Bank holds Harvest Fest Sept. 14

North Valley Food Bank on Saturday, Sept. 14, hosts its Harvest Fest.  

Starting at 10 a.m., volunteers can meet at the food bank, at 251 Flathead Avenue to harvest fruit from local trees before bringing the bounty back to the food bank. The fruit will be distributed to our neighbors in need through the food bank's free grocery store or processed in its community kitchen.  

While the fall harvest feeds the community, it also plays a key role in keeping the bears from coming into town.

Then the food bank holds its Harvest Fest celebrations from noon to 3 p.m. when the food bank will launch its first-ever pop-up pay-what-you-can eatery. There is a suggested price for the meals, but customers can choose to pay more or less. For those who give more, the donation helps buy lunch for people who cannot cover the full costs of the meal.

“We are excited to show our community unique recipes with classic harvest fruits and vegetables,” North Valley Food Bank’s Culinary Arts Manager Rachael Broom said. “Apples will be featured in traditional sweet dishes and savory meals like an apple-roasted chicken sandwich. We have ideas beyond applesauce to help the creative juices flow and eliminate food waste. 

“Don't let your apples go to the bears,” Broom added.  

The event will feature an apple press so everyone can taste delicious cider. Bring an empty jar to take some home. There will also be hard cider available, provided by Western Cider, for those 21 and older.  

The North Valley Food Bank team is providing favorite fall crafts for the whole family, an open mic, and educational activities. FAST Blackfeet will share seasoning blends and tea samples. Dirt Rich Compost will provide information about composting locally at this zero-water event. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks will share bear aware information and education about the Grizzly Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.  

“Our Harvest Fest is not just about raising awareness about food insecurity and wildlife safety, but it also highlights community spirit, sustainable food systems and the uplifting missions of other organizations and the good they are doing for this land, wildlife and our communities,” Elizabeth Munsey, Big Sky Watershed AmeriCorps member, said. “While we have done the fall harvest for many years, we are excited to include the public and celebrate this season of abundance.” 

Visit northvalleyfoodbank.org/news-events to sign up to harvest or contact elizabeth@northvalleyfoodbank.org.  

For information, visit northvalleyfoodbank.org or Facebook and Instagram.