Continuing to fight hunger, Arvest Bank recently announced its 13th annual Million Meals campaign.
Running through May 27, the program aims to provide at least 1 million meals through 84 locally selected organizations in four states -- Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri.
In Hot Springs, the bank is partnering with Project HOPE Food Bank at 915 Gaines Ave. Arkansas ranked second among most food-insecure states based on average rates from 2019-2021 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A branch of the national Project HOPE, the local food bank is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The two organizations have been partners for over five consecutive years now, Ted Thompson, director of the food bank, said.
"It's certainly an honor to have them work with us," he said. "To get food out to the people in need."
Collecting monetary donations each spring for food banks, Arvest picks up the slack felt by many families during the summer when many children go without school meals. According to a news release by Arvest, every dollar raised through the program equals up to five meals for local families.
"Food insecurity is an ongoing battle in our local communities, and it takes all of us to help make a difference," Franklin Bass, Community Bank president, said.
"We are excited to join our customers and our community once again in supporting local food partners in their fight against hunger. The Million Meals campaign is a great example of the good we can do when we come together for a cause."
Last year's campaign raised enough money for 1.9 million meals, given directly to Arvest's local food partners. Since beginning in 2011, more than 20.6 million meals have been donated totaling more than $3.7 million, according to the release.
The Hot Springs food bank puts together 40-pound emergency food boxes that feed an average-sized family for about a week, according to Thompson. With the help of the program, they were able to feed about 200 families with the boxes last year.
Thompson says the food bank has seen a 20-25% increase in families asking for assistance since last year, noting, "With today's inflation that we're dealing with, it's put a strain on families that were already on the edge anyways."
With many local families having to choose between paying rent, food or medicine, programs like this are making a difference when people need it most, he said.
Donations can be made through May 27 at Arvest branches, drive-thrus or by calling 866-952-9523. Customers may also donate on the Arvest Go mobile app.
For more information about Million Meals visit https://www.arvest.com/millionmeals/local-food-partners.