UM launches “Cats Can” food collection campaign

MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana is launching its annual Can the Cats food drive ahead of the Brawl of the Wild Game against Montana State University.

The contest, sponsored by the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center, begins Nov. 9 and will compete against MSU prior to game day.

Every $1 donation equals one pound of food, the campaign’s goal is to donate 800,000 pounds of food by November 23rd.

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The University of Montana sent the following:

Before their football teams collide in the state’s biggest game of the year, the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozemanon will once again compete in a food drive to support those dealing with food insecurity this holiday season.

Now in its 25th year, the Can the Cats Food Drive launches on Saturday, November 9. The event is sponsored by UM and the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center. They are encouraging Missoulians and others to donate food and money until the Griz-Cat Brawl of the Wild game on Saturday, Nov. 23 in Bozeman, when the winner of the food drive will be announced.

“Last year, the UM football team and the larger UM and Missoula communities came together to defeat our in-state rival, both on the football field and in this important annual food drive,” said UM President, Seth Bodnar. “We helped set a new statewide record by raising over 800,000 pounds of food and dollars, and I’m confident we can raise that level again this year.”

Bodnar said UM is grateful to all the loyal local businesses, organizations and individuals who participate year after year. To learn more about Can the Cats, visit www.canthecats.com.

All food collected on the UM campus will benefit the UM Food Pantry’s efforts to support students experiencing food insecurity. Food collected in the community and all other monetary donations will go towards the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center’s efforts to support the thousands of households in Missoula County who are working hard to make sure their families have enough to eat during the holidays.

“The food and money raised during Can the Cats comes at a critical time in our community,” said Amy Allison Thompson, executive director of the Missoula Food Bank. “Last year we served one in five people in Missoula County. During the holiday season, families all over Missoula stretch every dollar they need to meet their family’s needs. By donating during Can the Cats, you can make sure all families have enough to eat.”

This year, the Missoula Food Pantry, UM Pantry, Clearwater Credit Union, Missoula Paddleheads, Blackfoot Communication and other community partners hope to Can the Cats with a donation goal of 800,000 pounds.

Thompson said financial donations also count. Every dollar donated equals a pound of food. All donations collected in the Missoula area during the ride stay local. More information about Can the Cats, including participating companies, drop-in locations, events and volunteer opportunities, is available online at www.canthecats.com.

Can the Cats will kick off with a city-wide ‘Stuff the Bus’ event from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 9 November. More than 200 UM students and staff, under the direction of the office of experiential learning and career success, will invite donations. at nine grocery stores in Missoula. They will be asking community members to add a little to their shopping list for Can the Cats. Participating grocery stores will include all four Albertsons locations, both Yokes locations, Rosauers, Pattee Creek Market and Orange Street Food Farm.

“We need everyone to help us get these cats!” said Kat Cowley, who runs the UM Food Pantry and Bear Necessities. “The benefits of this annual competition cannot be overstated. On the UM campus alone, we average 350 visits per month and distribute over 2,000 pounds each month at our pantries. With your support, we will ensure that every Missoula student and community member can thrive.”

UM groups affiliated with the Zoo Crew – the student section at Griz sporting events – and other associated student UM groups will conduct neighborhood trips and other fun efforts in collaboration with Can the Cats. Watch for information on bringing donations to Griz games and participating in tailgate competitions. More information about UM Can the Cats events is available on the Griz Hub.