As the University of Montana Grizzlies gear up for game day, a different kind of competition is heating up in Missoula. The "Can the Cats" event has become an annual tradition, where locals come together to donate food and support their community. This friendly rivalry between the Grizzlies and the Montana State University Bobcats has had a significant impact on the region, showcasing the power of community engagement and the spirit of friendly competition.

Fueling the Rivalry, Feeding the Community

A Battle of the Bites

The "Can the Cats" event is a unique opportunity for residents and university attendees to contribute to the local food bank and community center. Every Saturday, people stop by on their way to the Griz game to drop off their donations, creating a lively atmosphere of camaraderie and community spirit. The competition between the University of Montana and Montana State University adds an extra layer of excitement, as the two schools vie to see who can gather the most donations by the end of the year.Amy Allison, the executive director of the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center, explains the event's goals: "So can the cats. Is our off field competition between the cats and the Grizz, and this year, we're hoping to beat the cats in our competition to raise the most food or funds for each of our communities. It's just really exciting to be able to be the team the community that gets to say that we want."

Tackling the Cost of Living

The "Can the Cats" event not only fosters a sense of friendly rivalry but also addresses a pressing issue in the state of Montana. Allison notes that the region is facing significant challenges with the cost of living, and the food drive plays a crucial role in supporting the community. "In Montana, we are really seeing a lot of folks struggling with the cost of living, and so just really important to know that as much as we can come out to support our neighbors as really really important," she said.The impact of these efforts is undeniable. Last year, both Montana State and the University of Montana raised over a million pounds of food donations, demonstrating the power of community engagement and the spirit of friendly competition.

A Winning Combination

The "Can the Cats" event is a unique blend of sports rivalry and community support. It taps into the passion and loyalty of the Grizzlies and Bobcats fan bases, channeling that energy into a positive force that benefits the local community. By competing to see who can gather the most donations, the universities are not only fostering a sense of school pride but also making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.This event serves as a model for other communities, showcasing how friendly competition can be harnessed to drive meaningful change. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, the strength of community, and the transformative impact that can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.