Bozeman Magazine

An off-field competition between Montana State University and the University of Montana to see which school can collect the most donations for its local food bank will begin Nov. 6. The Can the Griz food drive, as the annual friendly battle is known to Bobcat fans, is now in its 21st year.

According to Randi Maiers, program manager for student organizations in the Office of Student Engagement, there will be changes to this year’s competition due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The drive will begin at 12 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, and end at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20. A winner will be announced on Can the Griz social media accounts Friday evening. Typically, the winner is announced during the second half of the Brawl of the Wild football game between MSU and UM, but the Big Sky Conference football season has been postponed to the spring due to the pandemic.

Organizers ask that nonperishable food donations be taken to collection locations throughout Bozeman to support those in need in Gallatin County. A list of participating locations can be found at canthegriz.com. Donations directly to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank may be dropped off at its location from 8 a.m. to noon on weekdays to keep the parking lot open for drive-through food distribution in the afternoon.

Large donation drop offs will need to be scheduled in advance with Jon Horn at jhorn@thehrdc.org. Maiers encouraged those who want to donate to plan ahead, not wait until the final day and to utilize drop-off locations around the area. More information on expanded drop-off times and details can be found on the Can the Griz website.

“The Gallatin Valley Food Bank is always excited and grateful for this competition,” Maiers said. “Last year's efforts were especially important when the pandemic hit. While some food banks were closed, the Gallatin Valley Food Bank was fortunate to continue to distribute food to families and individuals.”

Monetary donations may also be made directly to the Gallatin County Food Bank by visiting https://gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org/#donate. Each dollar counts as 1 pound of food. Bobcat supporters can add their contributions to MSU’s total by telling the food bank their donation is for Can the Griz.

Last year, MSU and Bobcat supporters in Bozeman and beyond donated 230,096 pounds of food and $206,550 to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. UM supporters raised 213,438 pounds of food plus $208,421 for their food bank. Bozeman and the MSU community have won the competition 17 out of the 20 years it has been held.

Can the Griz is coordinated by the MSU Office of Student Engagement and the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Community members interested in more details on how to participate or volunteer can visit the Can the Griz website or its Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information or to host a collection box, please contact the MSU Office of Student Engagement at 406-994-2933 or email canthegriz@montana.edu.

Donation sites may be found here