Local organization was honored at Hunger and Health Summit

The YMCA of the Northern Sky is honored to receive the Rural Resilience Award from the Cass Clay Hunger Coalition, presented during the eighth Annual Hunger and Health Summit held on October 30 at MSUM. 

The Summit brings together community leaders, organizations, and advocates dedicated to building a healthier, hunger-free region—celebrating collaborative efforts that strengthen food access, equity, and resilience across Cass and Clay Counties.

The Rural Resilience Award honors efforts that ensure healthy food reaches every corner of the region, especially rural communities, and recognizes work that closes the distance between food and the people who need it most. The YMCA received this recognition for its Summer Rural Food Program, which helps ensure that children in rural areas have consistent access to nutritious meals throughout the summer.

As part of the YMCA of the Northern Sky commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA works to help kids grow and thrive by ensuring access to healthy meals, regardless of their family’s financial status. Through food program initiatives, the YMCA bridges the gap between food and families in need, bringing nourishment, connection and care to households that might otherwise go without.

From June through August 2025, the YMCA of the Northern Sky provided 96,898 meals to children in the rural communities of Borup, Perley, Hendrum, Twin Valley, Frazee, Waubun, Battle Lake, Breckenridge, Valley City, Oakes, Langdon and Minto. Now in its second year, this rural program is an extension of the YMCA Summer Food Program which provides free, healthy meals to all children up to age 18 at no charge. Each site offers weekly meal bags containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches. Meals do not need to be consumed on site, and adults may pick up meals with prior approval. All meals meet USDA nutrition standards, ensuring they are balanced and wholesome.

“The Rural Resilience Award is a meaningful recognition of the dedication our team and community partners bring to this work,” said Steve Smith, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Northern Sky. “This program is about more than food. It’s about reaching families where they are, supporting our communities, and ensuring every child has the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.”

The YMCA of the Northern Sky extends its gratitude to the Cass Clay Hunger Coalition for this recognition and for its continued leadership in advancing hunger relief efforts across the region.

About YMCA of the Northern Sky

Formed through the merger of the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties and the Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA made official in July 2024, the YMCA of the Northern Sky is dedicated to strengthening  the community by nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the health and well-being of all, and inspiring action across our service area. 

As a leading nonprofit organization, we are committed to empowering youth, promoting healthy living,  and fostering social responsibility, ensuring that everyone—regardless of age, income, or background—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Join the YMCA of the Northern Sky in building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. The group believes they are “Better Together.”

Learn more at www.ymcanorthernsky.org