Arvest Bank Kicks Off 11th Year of Million Meals Initiative

Arvest Bank kicks off its 11th annual Million Meals campaign this week and it will continue through May 29. The campaign’s goal is to provide at least one million meals to those in need and it benefits more than 90 locally selected organizations throughout Arvest’s four-state footprint.

The campaign is particularly needed in Oklahoma and Arkansas, which rank 5th and 7th, respectively, among the most food-insecure states in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Arvest in Fort Smith region has partnered with United Way Fort Smith Region and Community Services Clearinghouse for the duration of the campaign. Both organizations will receive monetary donations made in Fort Smith, Greenwood, Van Buren, Alma, Waldron in Arkansas and Poteau and Sallisaw in Oklahoma from April 5-May 29.

River Valley regions residents can support Million Meals by making monetary donations at Arvest branches and drive-thrus or calling (866) 952-9523. Additionally, customers can donate via the Arvest Go mobile app and Arvest Flex Rewards™ credit cardholders can log in to 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, customers and community members can donate directly to the bank’s food partners.

“We’re always excited to kick off our Million Meals campaign because helping those in need in our communities is a big part of who we are as an organization,” Roger Holroyd, Arvest Bank president for the Fort Smith and River Valley Region, said. “Our associates are excited to join United Way and Community Services Clearinghouse, our customers and the community to fight hunger, and it’s especially rewarding to know everything we raise stays local.”

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 meals at the schools they attend. According to the Food Research & Action Center, in fact, only one child participated in the USDA’s Summer Nutrition Programs in July 2019 for every seven children who received a free or reduced-price lunch during the 2018-2019 school year.

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

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