The 14th annual Can the Griz Food Drive, an off-field competition between Montana State University and the University of Montana to see which school can collect the most donations for their local county food banks, begins Saturday, Nov. 9.

The competition ends on Nov. 23 at halftime of the Brawl of the Wild football game between MSU and UM, which this year will be held at MSU. The winner of the competition will be announced during half time.

Organizers of the drive ask that nonperishable food donations be taken to collection locations throughout Bozeman to support those in need in Gallatin County. A list of participating locations can be found at http://www.montana.edu/engagement/programs/can-the-griz.

Bobcat supporters can designate their contribution to MSU by telling the Gallatin Valley Food Bank or collection location host that their donation is for the Can the Griz Food Drive.  Donations can also be made online at www.gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org.

Monetary donations may be made directly to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank by texting CANS to 91011.

Last year, 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 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.

For more information, or to host a collection box, please contact the MSU Office of Activities and Engagement or send an email to engagement@montana.edu.

Can the Griz is coordinated by the MSU Office of Activities and Engagement and Gallatin Valley Food Bank.