Annual Can the Griz food drive ready to kick off

An off-field competition between Montana State University and the University of Montana to see which school can collect the most nonperishable food donations will take place in November. The Can the Griz food drive is now in its 22nd year.

The drive will begin at midnight, Friday, Nov. 6, and conclude at the end of the first quarter of the annual Brawl of the Wild football game between MSU and UM on Nov. 20. A winner will be announced on Can the Griz social media accounts later during the Nov. 20 game.

Organizers ask that donations be taken to collection locations throughout Gallatin County to support those in need. 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 at 602 Bond St.

Monetary donations may also be made directly to the Gallatin County Food Bank by visiting https://gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org/#donate. Each dollar counts as one pound of food. In addition, donations can be made to @canthegriz via Venmo.

Last year, supporters donated 150,290 pounds of food and $252,893 to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Pounds and dollars are added together for the contest, resulting in a total of 403,183 pounds for the Bozeman community.

The Can the Cats food drive in Missoula brought in the equivalent of 671,707 pounds of food for the Missoula Food Bank.

Can the Griz is coordinated by the MSU Office of Student Engagement and the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Learn more by visiting the Can the Griz website or its Facebook and Instagram pages.