Arvest Provides More than 1.7 Million Meals Bank has Raised $1.6 Million-Plus in Six-Year History of Initiative

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 on Tuesday that, with the help of customers and community members, it has exceeded the campaign goal by raising a total of 1,712,601 meals in the fight against hunger.

Launched in 2011, Arvest's 1 Million Meals campaigns have raised a six-year total of 9,604,185 meals, which includes more than $1.6 million in funds given directly to the bank's more than 60 local food partners.

This year's campaign total of 1,712,601 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 April and May. With summer here, the success of the campaign is especially meaningful because many schoolchildren will be without the meals they ordinarily receive at school.

"What a wonderful effort our associates, customers and members of our community made to provide so many meals to our neighbors in need," said Roger Holroyd, president and CEO of Arvest Bank in Siloam Springs. "We hope 1 Million Meals has increased hunger awareness in Siloam Springs while we continue to fight hunger long after this year's initiative has ended. I am proud of -- and humbled by -- our success, and our associates look forward to continuing to give back to our community."

In Siloam Springs, Arvest partnered with The Genesis House for the campaign. The organization received all local donations, and this year 34,670 total meals were provided in Siloam Springs. All money and food items raised through this campaign directly benefited 66 different organizations feeding local communities in four states -- Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

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, 17 percent of American households surveyed reported food hardship, or not having adequate funds to provide enough food for their family.