MISSOULA – The University of Montana Grizzlies (Griz) demonstrated a dominant performance both on and off the football field this weekend. Following their resounding 37-7 victory against the Montana State Bobcats in the 122nd Brawl of the Wild, Griz Nation secured another significant win in the annual “Can the Cats Food” drive. This charitable initiative, aimed at combating food insecurity during the holiday season, witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of generosity from UM supporters, surpassing their Bobcat counterparts by a considerable margin.
The University of Montana and its community collectively raised an astounding 870,000 pounds of food and monetary donations. This record-breaking achievement for the “Can the Cats Food” drive significantly exceeded the nearly 600,000 pounds contributed by Bobcat supporters through their parallel “Can the Griz” effort. Collectively, Montanans across the state contributed almost 1.5 million pounds to support those in need.
“It’s truly heartwarming to witness such an incredible display of compassion and community spirit for such a vital cause,” commented Karen Schlatter, a University of Montana organizer for the event. “In Montana, helping our neighbors is deeply ingrained in our values. It’s clear that our spirited Griz-Bobcat rivalry also serves as a powerful catalyst for generosity, amplifying our collective impact in addressing food insecurity.”
Schlatter further highlighted the broad base of support, noting, “The donations ranged from modest $2 contributions from students to substantial gifts that propelled us beyond our goals. I am immensely grateful and proud of every single person who contributed, whether they are part of the Griz or Bobcat family.”
The “Can the Cats Food” drive, which ran from November 4th to 18th, is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the University of Montana, the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center, and Clearwater Credit Union. The annual drive directly benefits the Missoula Food Bank and the UM Food Pantry, ensuring vital resources are available for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Donations were collected from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, encompassing both food items and monetary contributions, with every dollar equating to a pound of food. The success of this year’s drive marks a significant increase from the previous year, which garnered approximately 450,000 pounds in combined food and donations, demonstrating a remarkable growth in community engagement and support.
The UM Food Pantry, specifically catering to students and staff within the university community, received nearly $8,500 directly from UM Dining and student contributions. Furthermore, they secured an additional $6,300 through other donations and 1,800 pounds of food collected from Associated Students of UM food drives. These dedicated efforts ensure the UM Food Pantry remains well-stocked throughout the year, supplementing the substantial donations directed to the Missoula Food Bank, which will also support the Pantry’s ongoing needs.
