Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
On December 18, 2025, proceeds from “What’s Cookin’ at First Security Bank, Volume 2,” were donated to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance for $50,000. Initially published in 2019, the second volume includes more than 870 recipes submitted by First Security Bank employees and customers. The first volume, published in 2011, also benefited hunger relief efforts across Arkansas. In addition to some of the most popular recipes from Volume 1, Volume 2 features special sections focused on heart-healthy dishes, fast and easy meals, family favorites and diabetic-friendly recipes.
Proceeds from cookbook sales benefit the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, the statewide nonprofit organization working to end hunger and improve access to nutritious food for all Arkansans. The Alliance serves as a collaborative umbrella for the state’s six Feeding America food banks and more than 500 local pantries and meal sites, providing support through training, technical assistance and capacity building. The Alliance leads major statewide efforts in SNAP outreach, nutrition education, Food is Medicine initiatives, childhood hunger programs and public policy advocacy. By partnering with communities, state agencies, schools, health organizations, and local leaders, the Alliance advances long-term, fair solutions to hunger while ensuring that families across Arkansas have the resources they need to grow, learn and thrive.
“Connecting with our community is central to First Security’s mission to Bank Better,” said John Rutledge, president and CEO of First Security Bank. “It’s not just something we say — it’s something we do. We are proud to continue supporting the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and its important work, and we knew our customers would be glad to join us in that effort.”
“This generous contribution from First Security Bank represents more than a donation — it reflects a long-standing commitment to community, collaboration, and ensuring families across Arkansas have access to nutritious food,” said Sylvia Blain, Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. “Support like this strengthens our statewide network and helps us advance solutions that address hunger today while building a healthier, more food-secure future for Arkansas.”
“First Security Bank’s commitment to this fundraiser over many years shows what’s possible when a community-focused organization leads with purpose,” said Jennifer Owens Buie, Director of Development for the Alliance. “From employees and customers sharing family recipes to readers supporting the cookbook, this effort turns connection into real impact for children, families, and communities across Arkansas. Every recipe shared, and every cookbook sold tells a story of neighbors helping neighbors — and together, those stories help put nutritious food on the table for families across Arkansas.”
Over the past several years, one recipe from the cookbook has been featured each month on OnlyinArk.com, a website owned and operated by First Security that highlights food, travel, sports and events celebrating Arkansas’s unique culture.
Recently featured recipes include Three-Ingredient Haystacks, Chocolate Chip Cheese Football and Stuffed Bell Peppers — seasonal favorites as well as quick, weeknight staples.
Kristi Thurmon, senior vice president and director of digital marketing for First Security Bank, is publisher of OnlyinArk.com and helped promote the cookbook.“The cookbook fundraiser was truly employee-driven — from the original idea by the now-retired Margaret Smith, to collecting recipes, creating promotional materials, producing the cookbook, and encouraging sales,” Thurmon said. “The project allowed the entire First Security family to participate, including employees and customers from banking centers across Arkansas. Ultimately, the goal was to contribute as much as possible to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.”
For more recipes from What’s Cookin’ at First Security Volume 2 here.
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Kayleigh Tritschler
It's time to Get Down Downtown in the beautiful Downtown Searcy! From...
You're gonna need a bigger belt for this fun event! Presented by...
Mocktails and infused waters are a great way to ring in the new year...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment