Arvest Bank raises money for Million Meals campaign

Fayetteville-chartered Arvest Bank recently kicked off its 14th annual Million Meals campaign to raise money to help feed area families. The campaign runs through May 31.

The campaign will benefit 85 community food partners in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. This year, 28 food partners in Northwest Arkansas and six in the Fort Smith metro have been selected as food partners and recipients of the campaign.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Arkansas ranked first in the nation among the most food-insecure states based on average rates from 2020 to 2022. Each dollar raised in the Million Meals campaign will provide up to five meals for area families.

USDA data shows more than 17% of U.S. households with children under age 18 experienced food insecurity in 2022. The timing of the Million Meals campaign coincides with an expected increased need during the summer when many children don’t have the benefit of free meals at school.

In 2023, the campaign raised more than 2.29 million meals through donations made directly to the bank’s area food partners. Since the campaign started in 2011, more than 22.9 million meals have been donated through more than $4.1 million collected.

Donations will be accepted at Arvest Bank branches or online at this link. Arvest Bank customers can donate via the Arvest Go mobile app or over the phone by calling 866-952-9523.