Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have concluded a monthlong campaign aimed at addressing food insecurity in South Carolina, distributing nearly $275,000 in surprise microgrants to more than 60 community organizations. This effort is part of a broader initiative that provided over $600,000 to groups combating hunger throughout the state.
The financial support was given to agencies working on various programs such as senior mobile food delivery, weekend backpack initiatives for students, local food pantries, and veteran assistance efforts. Among the recipients were Harvest Hope Food Bank, Mill Village Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, FoodShare South Carolina, One SC Fund, and AIM.
These microgrants were not requested by the organizations but were instead intended to help smaller agencies fill critical gaps in their communities. Since 2021, Duke Energy and its foundation have contributed more than $2.6 million to similar causes across South Carolina.
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, stated: “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, commented: “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 added: “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.”
Hunger remains a significant issue in South Carolina; over 750,000 residents lack reliable access to quality meals—approximately one in seven people statewide—with children particularly affected.
To locate nearby feeding partners or seek assistance with food insecurity issues in South Carolina communities individuals can search online at SC211.org or text “FOOD” to 211211. This platform was developed by United Way Association of South Carolina with initial support from Duke Energy Foundation.
For those facing challenges paying household bills—including electricity—Duke Energy offers resources at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually for philanthropic efforts where its customers live and work. Funded by company shareholders rather than utility rates or revenues from regulated operations (https://www.duke-energy.com/our-company/community/duke-energy-foundation), its grants focus on meeting urgent local needs.
Duke Energy serves millions of electric and natural gas customers across several states including North Carolina and Florida (https://www.duke-energy.com/our-company/about-us/company-overview). The company continues investing in grid modernization projects as well as cleaner energy sources like renewables and storage technologies.
More information about Duke Energy’s initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com or through its social media channels.
