The following is a press release from the University of Montana:
MISSOULA – Before their football teams clash in the state’s biggest game of the year, the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman once again will compete in a food drive to support those facing food insecurity this holiday season.
Now in its 25th year, the Can the Cats Food Drive launches Saturday, Nov. 9. The event is sponsored by UM and Missoula Food Bank & Community Center. It encourages Missoulians and others to donate food and cash until the Griz-Cat Brawl of the Wild game on Saturday, Nov. 23, in Bozeman, when the food drive winner will be announced.
“Last year, UM’s football team and the wider UM and Missoula communities came together to defeat our in-state rival, both on the football field and in this important annual food drive,” UM President Seth Bodnar said. “We contributed to a new statewide record by collecting over 800,000 in pounds of food and dollars, and I’m confident we can raise that bar 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 UM Food Pantry efforts to support students experiencing food insecurity. Food collected in the community and all other monetary donations will go to Missoula Food Bank & Community Center efforts to support the thousands of Missoula County households 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 Missoula Food Bank. “Last year we served one in five people in Missoula County. During the holiday season, families all over Missoula are stretching every dollar they have 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, the 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 count, too. Every $1 donated equates to a pound of food. All donations collected in the Missoula area during the drive stay local. More information about Can the Cats, including participating businesses, drop-off locations, events and volunteer opportunities, is available online at www.canthecats.com.
Can the Cats will kick off with a citywide “Stuff the Bus” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. More than 200 UM students and employees, under the direction of the Experiential Learning and Career Success office, will invite donations at nine grocery stores across Missoula. They will ask 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 can those Cats!” said Kat Cowley, who directs the UM Food Pantry and Bear Necessities. “The benefits of this yearly competition cannot be overstated. Just on the UM campus, we average 350 visits per month and distribute over 2,000 pounds each month at our pantries. With your support we will make sure every student and Missoula community member can thrive.”
UM groups affiliated with the Zoo Crew – the student section at Griz athletic events – and other Associated Students of UM groups will conduct neighborhood drives and other fun efforts in conjunction with Can the Cats. Watch for information about bringing donations to Griz games and participating in tailgate competitions. More information about UM Can the Cats events is available on Griz Hub.
