WESTSIDE -- Arvest Bank launched its annual 1 Million Meals initiative to fight hunger in the four-state region the bank serves two months ago. Last week, the bank announced that, with the help of customers and community members, it has exceeded the campaign goal by raising a total of 1,881,283 meals in the fight against hunger.
Launched in 2011, Arvest's 1 Million Meals campaigns have raised a seven-year total of 11,485,468 meals, which includes more than $2 million in funds given directly to the bank's dozens of local food partners.
This year's campaign total of 1,881,283 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 April and May. With summer here, the success of the campaign is especially meaningful because many schoolchildren will be without the meals they ordinarily receive at school.
"We are thrilled to be able to provide -- thanks to the hard work and generosity of our associates, customers and community members -- these meals to our neighbors in need," Jim Singleton, Gravette community bank president of Arvest Bank, said. "We also hope 1 Million Meals has increased hunger awareness in (market), and we remain committed to fighting hunger in our community long after this year's initiative has ended. I am proud, and humbled, by our success."
In Gravette, Arvest partnered with Maysville Bible Church for the campaign. The organization received all local donations, and this year 4,513 total meals were provided in Gravette. All money and food items raised through this campaign directly benefitted more than 70 different organizations feeding local communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
In Gentry, $1,028.41 and 9,133 food items were collected, according to Lindsey Taylor, marketing manager for Arvest Bank in Siloam Springs. "That is equivalent to 27,975 meals raised in Gentry," she said.
The bank's decision to provide one million meals was based on the fact hunger is an issue in every community it serves. In 2015, more than 12 percent of American households surveyed were food insecure, meaning they lacked access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle for all household members.
About Arvest Bank
Arvest Bank operates more than 260 bank branches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas through a group of 16 locally managed banks, each with its own board and management team. These banks serve customers in more than 120 communities, with extended weekday banking hours at many locations. Arvest also provides a wide range of banking services including loans, deposits, treasury management, credit cards, mortgage loans and mortgage servicing. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC.
Community on 07/05/2017