Arvest campaign raises $214,000 for NWA, Fort Smith food pantries
Fayetteville-chartered Arvest Bank said its 16th annual Million Meals campaign raised more than $214,000 to help over 30 food partners in Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith metro area to provide over
1 million meals to those in need.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Arkansas is the nation’s most food-insecure state, with 19% of households lacking enough food to feed their families.
With school out, many children lose access to free or reduced-price lunch programs, placing an additional burden on families. The Million Meals campaign runs from April to May annually and supports area food banks and pantries during the busy summer months. Every dollar donated during the campaign can provide up to five meals for those in need.
“Nutrition is the foundation of a healthy life, and a community is only as strong as the physical and mental well-being of its people,” said Chad Evans, president of Arvest Bank – Benton County. “The generosity of our customers, neighbors and associates has been truly inspiring. Because of your support, we’re able to help our local food partners feed families in need.”
As part of the campaign, God’s Pantry, a food bank serving families in Pea Ridge, Garfield, Avoca and Gateway, received the Million Meals second annual Hunger Hero Award, which recognizes the work community food pantries and their volunteers undertake daily to provide resources to neighbors in need.
God’s Pantry received an additional $2,000 donation from Arvest Bank. The Hunger Hero Award was chosen by the public through a social media campaign.
“While the Million Meals campaign has ended, we know the work is just beginning for local food pantries during the summer months,” Evans said. “We’re grateful to the staff and volunteers of God’s Pantry for the dedication and commitment to ensuring our communities are taken care of.”
Since it began in 2011, the campaign has raised more than $5.7 million and provided over 31 million meals in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.