Arvest nearly doubles 1 Million Meals goal

With contributions by Springfield branches, Arvest Bank nearly doubled its goal for its annual 1 Million Meals campaign.

The Lowell, Arkansas-based banking company raised nearly 1.9 million meals from its 260 branches in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas during April and May, according to a news release. That’s up from 1.7 million brought in during last year’s campaign.

Springfield branches contributed 16,906 meals to the total. Locally, the food was donated to Ozarks Food Harvest. In Springfield and Nixa last year, the total came to 20,502.

“We just hope 1 Million Meals has increased hunger awareness in Springfield, and we remain committed to fighting hunger in our community long after this year’s initiative has ended,” Arvest Springfield spokeswoman Kristin Mock said in the release.

Through the campaign, Arvest employees, customers and community members contribute nonperishable food items.

Since it started in 2011, the 1 Million Meals fundraiser has brought in 11.5 million meals, including $2 million in funds given directly to the company’s food partners, according to the release.