Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have concluded a monthlong campaign to support organizations working to address food insecurity in South Carolina. The initiative culminated with nearly $275,000 in surprise microgrants and contributions distributed to more than 60 community organizations across the state.
This effort is part of a broader campaign that provided over $600,000 in financial support and included employee volunteerism with local groups focused on fighting hunger. Beneficiaries include Harvest Hope Food Bank, Mill Village Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, FoodShare South Carolina, One SC Fund, AIM, and others.
The microgrants were given without solicitation from the recipient organizations. The funding aims to help smaller agencies fill gaps in their communities through programs such as senior mobile food services, weekend backpack initiatives for students, food pantries, and veteran assistance efforts.
Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president, said: “If you grew up in South Carolina, you are likely familiar with a ‘surcee’ – a small, unexpected gift. Giving Tuesday is the perfect opportunity to give a little something extra and highlight the great work these organizations do throughout the year to help keep our friends and neighbors from going hungry.”
Mark Champagne, executive director of Sumter United Ministries, commented: “Thanks to the generosity of the Duke Energy Foundation’s $5,000 grant, we will be able to place food into the hands of neighbors who are struggling more than I’ve seen in many years. As requests continue to rise and our shelves grow thin, this gift brings real hope at a time when our community truly needs it.”
Traci H. Kennedy, executive director of TOTAL Ministries added: “We so appreciate everything Duke Energy Foundation does for TOTAL Ministries. The grant is making an immediate and meaningful difference, allowing us to meet rising needs and care for families who are struggling the most.”
Melinda Waddell, executive director of The Manna House stated: “The support from Duke Energy for our mission to create a hunger-free Florence allows us to continue to provide hot, healthy, nutritious meals to our clients. With more than 100,000 individual meals served in 2024, we truly appreciate their dedication and commitment to our neighbors and community.”
Andrea White, chief executive officer of Food Bank of Greenwood said: “The grant from the Duke Energy Foundation ensures we can continue providing critical resources to our neighbors, helping stabilize households and improve overall community well-being throughout the Lakelands.”
According to recent statistics cited by Duke Energy’s announcement, over 750,000 people in South Carolina lack consistent access to high-quality meals—about one in seven residents—with children representing one-sixth of those affected.
Duke Energy encourages individuals interested in supporting local feeding programs or seeking assistance themselves to use online resources such as SC211.org or text “FOOD” to 211211—a platform created by United Way Association of South Carolina with initial support from Duke Energy Foundation.
For customers facing challenges paying household bills—including electricity—Duke Energy provides information on managing energy costs at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Since 2021, Duke Energy and its foundation have contributed more than $2.6 million toward agencies addressing hunger issues across South Carolina.
The Duke Energy Foundation gives over $30 million annually in philanthropic aid within communities where its customers live and work. Funded by company shareholders rather than ratepayers or government sources; these contributions focus on meeting basic needs like food security.
Duke Energy serves electric utility customers across six states including North Carolina and Florida as well as natural gas customers in five states. The company continues investing in grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation technologies as part of its long-term strategy.
