Arvest provides more than 1.6 million meals

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 last week that, with the help of customers and community members, it has exceeded the campaign goal by raising a total of 1,652,870 meals in the fight against hunger.

Launched in 2011, Arvest's 1 Million Meals campaigns have raised a five-year total of 7,891,584 meals, which includes more than $1.3 million in funds given directly to the bank's more than 50 local food partners.

This year's campaign total of 1,652,870 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.

"Through the efforts of our associates, customers and members of our community, we are happy Arvest was able to provide so many meals to our neighbors in need," Jim Singleton, Arvest Bank community president in Gravette, said. "We hope our efforts have increased hunger awareness in our community. We will continue to fight hunger long after this campaign by bringing people together to support those in need here in Gravette. I am proud of our success and our Arvest associates look forward to continuing to give back to our community."

In Gravette, Arvest partnered with Gravette Gardens for the campaign. In Gentry, Arvest partnered with The Manna Center, which serves Siloam Springs, Gentry and Kansas (Okla). The organizations received all the donations from their communities. 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 hunger is an issue in every community it serves. In 2014, one in six American households reported food hardship, or not having adequate funds to provide enough food for their family.