Bank Raised $1 Million+ in Five-Year History of Initiative
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Two months ago, Arvest Bank launched its annual 1 Million Meals initiative to fight hunger in the four-state region the bank serves. The bank announced today that, with the help of customers and community members, it has exceeded the campaign goal by raising a total of 1,652,870 meals in the fight against hunger.
Launched in 2011, Arvest’s 1 Million Meals campaigns have raised a five-year total of 7,891,584 meals, which includes more than $1.3 million in funds given directly to the bank’s more than 50 local food partners.
This year’s campaign total of 1,652,870 meals was made possible through donations from the bank, Arvest associates, customers and community members through fundraisers, events and nonperishable food drives in all Arvest branches throughout September and October. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the success of the campaign comes just in time to help local food partners meet their increased need during the holiday season.
The bank’s decision to provide one million meals was based on the fact hunger is an issue in every community it serves. In 2014, one in six American households reported food hardship, or not having adequate funds to provide enough food for their family.1
1Food Research and Action Center 2014 Food Hardship Report by Gallup. Published May 2015.