Arvest Bank launches hunger campaign

Arvest Bank announced April 4 it has initiated a two-month, bankwide food drive to aid those in need in its more than 90-community service area.

The bank hopes to raise the equivalent of one million meals during the hunger drive, which takes place throughout April and May. During the extent of the project, Arvest branches will accept cash donations - by selling paper plates for $1 apiece to represent the five meals the donation will fund, which will be hung up Arvest branches - and will hold nonperishable food drives, according to a news release.

Rodney Shepard, president of Arvest Bank in Springfield, said Springfield food drive efforts will be geared toward Ozarks Food Harvest.

"Our associates are excited to take part in the fight against hunger," he said in the release. "There is a real need for food assistance in our area and, as a community bank, we’re proud to step up and help make a positive impact."

All recipient organizations will be selected in their respective areas.

Joplin donations also will be funneled to Ozarks Food Harvest, while cash and food donations at Arvest locations in Branson will be given to Christian Action Ministries. A list of all local recipients can be found online.

Customers can also make $1 donations by calling (855) 553-4056, according to Arvest's Web site.

Arvest teased the initiative a week ago via e-mail campaign. Utilizing public relations firm The Sells Agency, Arvest sent a message stating it would "make a major community initiative announcement that could help nearly one in five families" in its service communities.

Arvest Bank operates more than 230 branches in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas.[[In-content Ad]]