Pick apples, protect bears, share a meal at North Valley Food Bank’s Harvest Fest

North Valley Food Bank invites community members to pick apples from local trees, reduce bear attractants, preserve seasonal food, and share a meal at its annual Harvest Fest. The celebration is a way to build food security, protect wildlife, and enjoy all that’s abundant in our valley.  

Apple picking will begin at 10 a.m. at North Valley Food Bank, located at 251 Flathead Ave. Volunteers will be assigned to fruit trees to harvest from, then bring back their bounty to June’s Kitchen, where the apples will be pressed for cider or processed into applesauce, frozen and distributed through the food bank’s Free Grocery Store throughout the year.  

After the harvest, join a celebration of abundance and community from noon - 2 p.m. Bring the kids for crafts, games, a pickle-making station, a cider press and fun activities hosted by Wildtorium.  

Conservation and food access advocates will be on hand, and participants can learn about living alongside bears and how the apple harvest helps decrease bear and human interactions.  

Local food lovers may enjoy delicious meals featuring favorites from local farms at the food bank's pay-what-you-can pop-up restaurant. North Valley Food Bank Culinary Arts Manager, Rachael Broom, and her kitchen volunteers are preparing a menu of with Japanese fusion dishes at a pay-what-you-can price.  

“All of our events offer fresh food at a pay-what-you-can model," Broom said. "We do this so everyone has a seat at the table, no matter your financial status.”  

Enjoy a Miso Glazed Chicken Sandwich, Brats with Sautéed Veggies, or a Beet Burger with Goat Cheese, with a side of Roasted Veggie Chowder or Sesame Ginger Slaw. This delicious menu was created by Broom with the help of the food bank’s Incubator Kitchen participants. These participants are aspiring food business owners who have attended presentations put on by food bank and food experts across the valley. They are excited to showcase their skills at Harvest Fest.  

North Valley Food Bank is excited to have its community partners, Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and Dirt Rich Compost, back to host interactive and educational booths. FWP will host Bear Aware information and education about the Grizzly Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Dirt Rich will provide information about composting locally at this zero-waste event.  

Harvest Fest celebrates food security, wildlife safety and sustainability. Every apple picked helps reduce bear attractants in Whitefish neighborhoods. Every meal shared supports community connection. Thank you to Glacier Bank for sponsoring this event.  

Harvest Fest is Saturday, Sept. 12, at North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish. The event is free and open to the public. To sign up for the morning harvest or learn more, visit northvalleyfoodbank.org or contact Maddie Culhane at [email protected].