WESTSIDE -- Arvest Bank in Northwest Arkansas is partnering with 16 local organizations for the 1 Million Meals initiative, a two-month, bank-wide effort to provide one million meals or more to those in need.
These organizations will receive nonperishable food and monetary donations made at Arvest branches in Northwest Arkansas from Sept. 3 through Nov. 1. The organizations include: Shepherds Food Pantry, Bella Vista; Gravette Gardens, Gravette; the Genesis House, Siloam Springs, Gentry and Kansas (Okla.); and NWA Food Bank, Arvest Bank Operations.
Northwest Arkansas residents can help support these organizations during the initiative by dropping off nonperishable food items or purchasing a 1 Million Meals paper can for $1 at any of the Arvest branches in Northwest Arkansas or calling (866) 952-9523 to contribute. Every dollar raised through 1 Million Meals provides the equivalent of five meals for local, hungry families.
In its fourth year, Arvest Bank's 1 Million Meals campaign challenges bank associates and customers alike to participate in fund-raising efforts and make donations to fight hunger in the 120 communities the bank serves. Last year, Arvest banks, associates and customers raised 1.8 million meals. This year's effort benefits 59 different organizations in the four states -- Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma -- Arvest serves.
In 2012, one in six American households reported food hardship, or not having adequate funds to provide enough food for their family. And, out of the 50 states, Arkansas ranks second, Missouri ranks seventh, Oklahoma ranks 16th and Kansas ranks 24th in food hardship.
General News on 09/10/2014