Bank’s ‘Million Meals’ campaign addresses local food insecurity

In its 11th Annual Million Meals campaign, Arvest Bank is working to provide 1 million meals to those in need in its four-state footprint from now through May 29, according to an Arvest Bank news release.

The campaign is particularly needed in Arkansas, which ranks seventh among the most food-insecure states in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Project HOPE Food Bank will receive monetary donations made in Hot Springs from now through May 29. Hot Springs residents can support Million Meals by making monetary donations at Arvest branches and drive-thrus in Hot Springs or by calling 866-952-9523.

Donations can also be made in the Arvest Go mobile app, and Arvest Flex Rewards credit card holders can log in to http://www.arvestflexrewards. com to redeem and donate rewards points.

Every dollar raised through Million Meals provides the equivalent of five meals for local, hungry families. While Arvest is unable to accept food donations in branches this year, food donations can be made directly to Project HOPE Food Bank, 915-B Gaines Ave.

“We are thrilled to once again help fight hunger in our communities through our Million Meals campaign,” Franklin Bass, Arvest Bank president in Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village, said in the release. “Project HOPE Food Bank is a wonderful organization and we are lucky to be partnering with them again this year to fight hunger with the help of our customers and the community.”

Arvest conducts Million Meals in the spring each year due to the fact food banks report an increased need in the summer, when many children do not have the benefit of eating free or reduced meals provided at the schools they attend.

For more information about Million Meals, visit http://www.arvest.com/millionmeals.