x
Breaking News
More () »

Arvest Bank Reveals Final Numbers for 1 Million Meals Campaign

FORT SMITH (KFSM) — Arvest Bank revealed the total numbers for its annual 1 Million Meals Campaign on Wednesday (June 8). The campaign goal was exceeded b...

FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- Arvest Bank revealed the total numbers for its annual 1 Million Meals Campaign on Wednesday (June 8).

The campaign goal was exceeded by raising a total of 1,712,601 meals in the fight against hunger.

"It's impressive," Senior Director of Development for Community Services Clearinghouse, Chuck Goux said. "To have over one million, seven hundred thousand meals provided, it's just fantastic. And the $14,000 plus that we're going to get, our buying power is a lot more in the community than the average citizen's."

This year's campaign total was made possible through donations from the bank, Arvest associates, customers and community members through fundraisers throughout April and May.

Of the more than 1.7 million meals raised, 660, 049 of those will stay in the Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith/River Valley areas to help the local food partner organizations.

Arvest moved the campaign to the Spring instead of Fall this year due to the reported increase in need for food items for kids during the summer.

"Currently, we have close to a hundred schools with 2,500 kids on the program," Executive Director of Community Services Clearinghouse Bob Curd said.

Goux said it is vital that children are given the necessary nutrition that many of them depend on during the school year.

"What if it's the next kid who comes up with a way to develop an education system that takes us into the next century?" Goux said. "What it it's a child who figures out a way just to make energy more efficient? Those are tremendous strides for society and it all starts with whether or not they can get an education. They get an education by being able to get rest and by being able to get fed."

In addition to the meals raised, donations will help benefit the Community Services Clearinghouse and River Valley Regional Food Bank. Curd said it doesn't stop there, though.

"No, this is not the end," Curd said. "We have volunteers that come in that pack the backpacks. We have hundreds of volunteers that help with that program. Without them, we couldn't do what we do here."

Arvest Bank has raised almost 10 million meals since 2011 with its 1 Million Meals campaign.

To volunteer, dontate, or find out more information about the 1 Million Meals campaign or Community Services Clearinghouse, call (479) 782-5074 or visit the Arvest website or Clearinghouse website.

Before You Leave, Check This Out