Arvest Bank’s Million Meals campaign raises $44K for Tulsa-area food pantries

Arvest Bank’s annual push to combat food insecurity has made another strong impact in its 15th year.

The “Million Meals” campaign raised $44,600 to support nine food pantries in the Tulsa area, part of a larger effort that brought in more than $616,000 across four states.

With school out for the summer and many children missing out on free meals, the funds provide timely relief for families in need.

The Numbers

$44,600: Local Total Raised

That’s how much the Tulsa-area branch of Arvest Bank brought in during this year’s campaign. Every dollar donated locally went directly to one of nine local food pantries, including the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Iron Gate in Tulsa, and more.

9: Tulsa-region Food Pantries Supported

Donations from the campaign will help feed families through the following organizations:

1. Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
2. Harvest House (Tulsa)
3. Iron Gate (Tulsa)
4. God’s Helping Hands (Eufaula)
5. The Cart Guy Inc. (McAlester)
6. Muskogee Community Food Pantry
7. Northstar (Pryor)
8. Wagoner Area Neighbors
9. CARE Food Pantry (Tahlequah)

$616,000: Total Raised Across 4 States

Bankwide, Arvest raised more than $616,000—enough to help provide over 3 million meals across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas.

15%: Growth Goal for the 15th Year

To mark the campaign’s 15th anniversary, Arvest aimed to increase donations by 15%—and exceeded it. The effort more than tripled the campaign’s original goal of one million meals.

28 million: Meals Provided Since 2011

Since its inception, the campaign has generated more than 28 million meals and raised over $5.1 million to fight hunger across the region.

Why These Numbers Matter

The need for food assistance often spikes in the summer when children lose access to school-provided meals. Arvest’s campaign helps bridge that gap. According to organizers, in many parts of the region, just one dollar can help provide up to five meals.

“We’re very proud to have had such a successful Million Meals campaign,” said Mark Stephen, Arvest Bank’s Tulsa region president. “The way our community comes together to help our local organizations meet the needs of our neighbors is truly inspiring.”

What Comes Next?

Arvest plans to continue the Million Meals campaign annually, building on its success and adjusting goals to match growing needs. Community members can expect to see the campaign return next spring.

For more information or to support local food pantries year-round, visit the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma or Arvest’s community impact page.