HUDSON – United by a shared mission to address childhood nutrition and food insecurity, YMCA of the North and River Valley Charities are partnering at the Farm at YMCA Camp St. Croix to grow fresh produce for distribution across the region – and are celebrating the fruits of their labor with the community Oct. 4 at Fall Harvest Fest.

Festival attendees can shop produce from local farms and enjoy a build-your-own-pizza market; explore the high tunnel greenhouses and the Discovery Garden while learning from local farmers; and be entertained by live music, hayrides, a barn dance and more. Donations raised at the event will support the work of the farm.

The Farm at Camp St. Croix is the first nearly year-round educational farm in the St. Croix River Valley, allowing kids to learn and farm outside while donating the harvest to those experiencing food insecurity. The farm grows and harvests about 8,000 pounds of fresh produce per year, providing the bulk of it to local food support organizations. In addition, YMCA Camp St. Croix’s dining hall is literally farm-to-table, putting farm-fresh vegetables into the stomachs of hungry campers. YMCA of the North offers social and education programs, camp opportunities, space rentals and community events like pizza nights and farmers markets to connect the farm to the community.

River Valley Charities is the official community nutrition partner of the Farm at Camp St. Croix. The nonprofit has an established network of food insecurity organizations eager to access fresh, local produce, especially to support healthy development in children. Food insecurity partners of River Valley Charities pick up free produce each week from the farm, which is then directly distributed to families in need. Produce is shared primarily throughout the Hudson, River Falls and New Richmond communities, with expansion planned as the farm grows. River Valley Charities facilitates fundraising to support the farm partnership and other local food insecurity initiatives, including backpack programs that provide weekend meals for school-aged children in need.

Volunteers are critical to the farm’s operations. River Valley Charities helps coordinate group farm volunteer opportunities as part of its corporate partner give-back offerings, connecting businesses with a unique, hands-on way to support the local community. In 2025, the farm welcomed partners like Phillips Medisize and Ciranda for employee give-back days. Businesses and organizations seeking volunteer and partnership opportunities can contact andy@rivervalleycharities.com.

The Fall Harvest Fest will be held 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at YMCA Camp St. Croix (north entrance, 345 Riverview Drive, Hudson). The barn dance begins at 5 p.m. with the Winsome Hollow String Band and dance caller. The suggested donation is $5 per person.

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 169 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

River Valley Charities helps build a stronger community by connecting nonprofits, government, businesses and individuals to support families struggling to meet essential needs within partner communities. RVC generates funds for local programs that empower individuals through access to jobs, education and resources to build brighter futures for themselves and their families, fostering lasting positive change. To learn more about River Valley Charities, visit www.rivervalleycharities.com.

Submitted by River Valley Charities