Arvest announced last week that the bank’s 15th annual Million Meals campaign raised $616,100 to benefit more than 80 food partners in the bank’s footprint of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. With one dollar able to provide up to five meals for someone in need, the funds will help food partners distribute more than 3.08 million meals for hungry families and individuals.
Arvest announced the totals during an event on Thursday, June 12, at the bank’s Fort Smith branch at 5000 Rogers Ave. As part of the campaign’s efforts, Fort Smith Arvest associates presented a total of $50,320 to six local food partners in the River Valley: Community Services Clearinghouse, United Way of Fort Smith Area, First Assembly of God Church in Mena, River Valley Food 4 Kids, Second Baptist Church in Clarksville and Antioch for Youth and Family in Fort Smith.
The Million Meals campaign, which runs from April to May each year, raises awareness and money to fight hunger in the bank’s four-state footprint. Money collected goes directly to the bank’s food partners to help them meet an increase in demand during the summer months, especially for families with children who don’t have the benefit of free or reduced lunches at school.
To celebrate the initiative’s 15th year, the bank set a goal to increase bankwide donations by 15%, equating to more than 3 million meals. The Million Meals campaign originally began with a goal of raising 1 million meals. Now in its 15th year, the bank has more than tripled its original annual goal.
“We’re very proud of the success of this year’s Million Meals campaign,” said Mike Jacimore, president of Arvest Bank – Fort Smith Region. “To hit our 3 million meals goal bankwide is a testament to the strength and compassion of the communities we serve. Through the generosity of our community members and associates, these funds will help our local organizations continue to combat hunger and provide essential support to our neighbors.”
Last year, the Million Meals campaign raised 2.6 million meals for local food partners. Since 2011, the initiative has helped provide more than 28 million meals and collected more than $5.1 million in donations.
Thursday’s announcement also included remarks by Fort Smith Mayor George McGill and a special presentation of the bank’s inaugural Million Meals Hunger Hero Award, given to food partner Antioch for Youth & Family in honor of the nonprofit’s late founder Charolette Tidwell, who passed away in November 2024. Arvest created the Hunger Hero Award to recognize the crucial work that community food pantries and their volunteers undertake daily to provide resources to those in need. Antioch received an additional $1,000 donation from Arvest to go along with the award.
“When we decided to introduce the Hunger Hero Award this year, Charolette immediately came to mind,” said Jacimore. “Her legacy of compassion and service has profoundly impacted countless lives, and this award reflects our deep respect for her tireless work and the vital role Antioch continues to play in our community.”
For more information about Million Meals and local food partners, visit arvest.com/millionmeals.
