Griz Nation, Cats Battle in Food Drive
The annual Can the Cats competition pits University of Montana fans against Montana State supporters to raise food for local families.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Would you donate food or money to a local food bank this holiday season?
Can the Cats, a food and fund drive benefiting local food banks, began its competition between Griz Nation and Montana State during the Montana-Portland State game. Every pound donated equals one dollar in the contest.
Why it matters
Families are facing tight finances and rising demand at food banks, and late fall is an expensive season as energy bills climb. Missoula's donations directly support residents who are visiting food banks every day.
Missoula's $600,000 goal is set against last year's total of 1.09 million pounds or dollars, while Bozeman raised 1.02 million last year. This year's final totals have not yet been reported.
The players
Griz Nation
The fan base supporting the University of Montana Grizzlies, which is competing against Montana State in the food drive.
Missoula Food Bank
A local nonprofit that serves Missoula families facing food insecurity and distributes turkeys each holiday season.
The details
Donations can be made at sponsored food drives or at nearly every Griz sporting event, and donors may bring canned goods or money to the Griz game against Idaho State. The Missoula Food Bank will distribute turkeys on November 22, having handed out 1,800 turkeys last year.
Timeline
Saturday: Can the Cats began at the Montana-Portland State game.
Next two weeks: Donations accepted at food drives and Griz events.
Nov. 22: Missoula Food Bank turkey distribution.
Next week: Griz game against Idaho State with a donation drive.
Brawl of the Wild: Rivalry winner announced at the final event.
Philanthropy Context
This year's Can the Cats drive sets a $600,000 target against last year's 1.09 million pounds or dollars raised by Missoula, showing how the rivalry has grown into a major annual fundraising effort. The competition builds on the prior year's results between Missoula and Bozeman.
Every pound or dollar donated goes directly to families using local food banks this winter. Your contribution at a Griz game or sponsored drive helps cover household essentials during expensive months.
The takeaway
Small donations add up quickly, and a single can or dollar at a Griz game can help a neighbor through the coldest part of the year.
What happens next
The rivalry will be settled at the Brawl of the Wild, where the winner will be announced.
Further reading
Explore more local giving stories in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPAX News.
Live Poll
Would you donate food or money to a local food bank this holiday season?
