Jonesboro, AR — (Contributed) — June 18, 2025 — Arvest announced that the bank’s 15th annual Million Meals campaign raised $18,396 to benefit the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas.
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, especially during the summer months when many children don’t have the benefit of free or reduced lunches at school. In many parts of the region, one dollar can help provide up to five meals for someone in need. Every local dollar donated went directly to that local food partner.
Arvest associates recently announced the donation during a check presentation to staff and volunteers of the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas.
“We’re very proud of the success of this year’s Million Meals campaign, which underscores the strength and compassion of the communities we serve,” said Kevin Hufstedler, community bank president for Arvest Bank – Jonesboro. “Through the generosity of our community members and associates, these funds will help the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas continue to combat hunger and provide essential support to our neighbors.”
The campaign raised more than $616,000 bank-wide, which will help provide more than 3 million meals to more than 80 food partners throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas.
To celebrate the 15th year of Million Meals, the bank set a goal to increase bank-wide donations by 15%, equating to more than 3 million meals. The 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 campaign goal.
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.