Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Arvest Bank announced that its 16th annual Million Meals campaign has raised a record $633,513, providing more than 3.16 million meals to fight hunger across the bank’s four-state footprint.

Of this amount, $13,927.82 will directly support the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas. 

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The Million Meals campaign runs from April to May each year to support local food banks and pantries during the busy summer months. With school out, many children lose access to free or reduced-price lunch programs, placing an additional burden on families. Every dollar donated during the campaign can provide up to five meals for those in need. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this year’s Million Meals campaign,” said Kevin Hufstedler, Community Bank President for Arvest Bank – Jonesboro. “Food security is essential for a healthy and thriving community. Because of your donations, we can help our local food pantries support families who are struggling with hunger.”

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Since it began in 2011, the Million Meals initiative has raised more than $5.7 million and provided over 31 million meals in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.

Arkansas once again ranked first among the most food-insecure states in the nation, with 19% of households reporting that they lacked enough food to feed their families, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Across the U.S., 18% of households with children under 18 experienced food insecurity in 2024, and 11% had elderly individuals living alone.

For more information about Million Meals and the campaign’s local food partners, click here.

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