By Anne Cantrell MSU NEWS SERVICE
BOZEMAN — This year, Montana State University and the Gallatin Valley community set a remarkable record, donating over one million pounds of food to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and MSU’s Bounty of the Bridgers food pantry through the annual Can the Griz food drive.
Can the Griz is more than just a food drive; it’s a friendly rivalry between MSU and the University of Montana. This year, MSU collected 335,189 pounds of food and raised $683,424. When combined, this brings the total contributions to an impressive 1,018,613 pounds. Meanwhile, the Can the Cats drive in Missoula collected an equivalent of 1,091,754 pounds.
Previously, MSU set its own record in 2021 with 654,126 pounds donated. The Gallatin Valley community has triumphed in this competition 20 out of the last 26 years. Kim Cleary from the MSU Office of Student Engagement, which manages the drive, noted, “Even though we didn’t win the competition this year, our community still came out ahead. This food drive supports those in need for months, especially now when many require extra help.”
This event is crucial for local families, helping the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Bounty of the Bridgers supply food through the upcoming spring and summer months. The Bounty of the Bridgers focuses on reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity among students, faculty, and staff at MSU.
Food insecurity is an ongoing issue that affects many Americans. Recent studies show that approximately 10.5% of U.S. households struggle with hunger. Initiatives like Can the Griz and Bounty of the Bridgers play a vital role in combatting this crisis, inspiring communities to come together for a common cause.
As communities rally for future food drives, the impact of these efforts extends far beyond a single event. They create awareness and foster a spirit of giving that helps families thrive. Events like Can the Griz not only bring in donations but also promote a sense of unity and support in times of need.
