WESTSIDE -- Two months ago, Arvest Bank launched its annual 1 Million Meals initiative to fight hunger in the four-state region the bank serves. The bank announced this month that, with the help of customers and communities, it has exceeded the campaign goal by raising a total of 1,806,844 meals in the fight against hunger.
The campaign total of 1,806,844 meals was made possible through donations from the bank, Arvest associates, customers and community members through fundraisers, events and nonperishable food drives in all Arvest branches throughout September and October. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the success of the campaign comes just in time to help local food partners meet their increased need during the holiday season.
"We are so proud and thankful that, through the efforts of our associates, customers and members of our community, Arvest Bank was able to provide so many meals to our neighbors in need. We hope that our efforts throughout the 1 Million Meals campaign helped increase hunger awareness in Siloam Springs," said Roger Holroyd, president of Arvest Bank in Siloam Springs and Gentry. "We will continue to fight hunger now that this year's 1 Million Meals initiative is done by bringing people together to support those in need in our community. I look forward to continuing to give back to our community."
In Siloam Springs and Gentry, Arvest partnered with Genesis House for the campaign. The organization received all local donations and, this year, 44,238 total meals were provided in Siloam Springs and Gentry.
"By the efforts of our associates, customers and members of our community, we are happy that Arvest is able to provide so many meals to our neighbors in need. Throughout the 1 Million Meals campaign we hoped that our efforts increased hunger awareness in Gravette," said Jim Singleton, Arvest Community Bank president in Gravette. "Now that the 1 Million Meals initiative is over, we will continue to fight hunger by bringing people together to support those in need in our community. I am proud of our success and Arvest Bank's continuing committment to give back to our community."
In Gravette, Arvest partnered with Gravette Gardens for the campaign. The organization received all local donations, and this year 3,675 total meals were provided in Gravette.
All money and food items raised through this campaign directly benefitted 59 different organizations feeding local communities in four states -- Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
The bank's decision to provide one million meals was based on the fact that hunger is an issue in every community it serves. In 2012, one in six American households reported food hardship, or not having adequate funds to provide enough food for their family.
General News on 11/26/2014