Cat Central

Record amount of food donated through MSU's annual "Can the Griz" food drive

Posted: Nov 19, 2012 1:44 PM by MSU News Service

BOZEMAN - Montana State University and the Bozeman community posted a victory over the University of Montana and Missoula community in the 13th annual "Can the Griz" food drive. Both schools and communities brought in record amounts of food to help support local individuals and families in need.

MSU and the Bozeman community donated 68,515 pounds of food plus approximately $29,000 to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Combined, that's a record donation of the equivalent of 86,957 pounds of food. The donations will be distributed through the food bank.

The University of Montana and Missoula community also raised a record amount for the Missoula community's local food bank. Donations from UM and the Missoula community totaled 29,025 pounds of food plus $28,968.40.

"Can the Griz" -- and the corresponding "Can the 'Cats" drive at UM -- is an off-field competition between MSU and UM to see which university community can raise the most food for its local food bank. Now in its 13th year, the two-week competition coincides annually with the Brawl of the Wild football game.

The MSU Office of Activities and Engagement sponsors and coordinates the Can the Griz competition in collaboration with the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Ressler Motors.

"We are in complete awe of the community and campus support," said Mandy St. Aubyn, program manager at the MSU Office of Activities and Engagement. "While this is a competition, it truly is a win-win to ensure no one goes hungry in our communities. For that, we are so grateful."

That both communities brought in record donations illustrates not only enthusiasm for the competition, but that individuals care about those in need in their communities, according to Lori Christenson, program manager at the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

"This is a competition, but people really are showing their own compassion toward their neighbors," Christenson said. "To raise this much food for our food banks is pretty remarkable.

"We're very grateful for the support, which will help thousands of Gallatin Valley residents."

For more information about the "Can the Griz" drive and the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, visit http://gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org/.