Arvest exceeds one million meals campaign goal

Two months ago, Arvest Bank launched its annual One Million Meals initiative to fight hunger in the 120 communities it serves. With the help of customers and communities, the bank announced that it exceeded the campaign goal by raising a total of 1.8 million meals in the fight against hunger.

The campaign total of 1,813,384.95 meals was made possible with donations from the bank, Arvest associates, customers and local residents through fun- draisers, events and nonperishable food drives in all Arvest branches from Sept. 4 through Nov. 2. The success of the campaign comes just in time to help local food banks and hunger organizations meet their increased needs during the holiday season.

“We are thrilled that, through the efforts of our customers and associates, Arvest was able to provide meals to our neighbors in need,” said Jeff Neil, Arvest Bank president in Pea Ridge. “We hope the increased awareness about hunger in Pea Ridge will continue to help feed our neighbors long after we’ve completed this year’s campaign. One Million Meals is a great example of the impact that can be made when many people come together.”

In Pea Ridge, Arvest partnered with Pea Ridge Ministerial Alliance for the campaign. The organization received all local donations, and this year 10,668 total meals were provided in Pea Ridge.

All money and nonperishable food items raised through this campaign directly benefited 53 different organizations feeding local communities in four states – Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

The bank decided to provide one million meals because 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.

For information about One Million Meals, visit arvest.com/millionmeals.