The annual Can the Griz food drive, a competition between Montana State University (MSU) and the University of Montana, will take place from November 8 to November 22. Now in its 26th year, the event challenges both schools and their communities to collect donations for local food banks.
Kim Cleary, community engagement program manager at the MSU Office of Student Engagement, which organizes the event, said: “This is the one competition where everyone wins. Can the Griz is more than a rivalry; it is a reminder and demonstration of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community. Every dollar or can that is donated during this competition directly helps our neighbors in need.”
The drive starts on Saturday, November 8 and ends after the first quarter of the Brawl of the Wild football game between MSU and UM on Saturday, November 22 in Missoula. The winner will be announced during the game, on Can the Griz social media channels, and at canthegriz.org.
Cleary noted: “It takes a lot of help from the community to pull off this fundraising effort. From individuals who donate food, funds or their time, to organizations that host food drives or serve as collection sites for the community, every can counts.”
Nonperishable food items can be donated at official Can the Griz collection locations or at various drives across Gallatin Valley from November 8-22. A list of these sites is available at canthegriz.org/communitycollectionsites. Donations may also be dropped off directly at Gallatin Valley Food Bank at 206 E. Griffin Dr., Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon; large donations should be scheduled ahead via their website.
Monetary contributions are accepted online at gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org/donate. Each dollar given counts as one pound toward each school’s total in the contest.
Last year’s competition saw MSU supporters contribute goods and funds equivalent to 652,876 pounds for Gallatin Valley Food Bank; Missoula’s Can the Cats drive brought in an equivalent of 649,278 pounds for Missoula Food Bank. Over its history, Bozeman and MSU have won twenty out of twenty-five years.
Proceeds benefit both Gallatin Valley Food Bank—part of HDRC Food and Nutrition Programs—and Bounty of the Bridgers pantry located within MSU’s Student Wellness Center. The latter initiative addresses student food insecurity; donations made to msuaf.org/BOB during Nov. 8-22 will count toward Can the Griz totals.
Those interested in donating or volunteering can find more details on canthegriz.org or follow @msucanthegriz on Facebook and Instagram. For further information or hosting opportunities for collection boxes contact MSU Office of Student Engagement by phone at 406-994-2933 or email canthegriz@montana.edu.
