Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have announced nearly $275,000 in unexpected microgrants to more than 60 organizations across South Carolina as part of a monthlong campaign to address hunger. This initiative, which also included employee volunteerism, is part of a broader effort that provided over $600,000 in total support to local groups fighting food insecurity.
The funds are intended for programs that distribute food boxes, provide weekend meals for students, assist veterans, and support senior mobile meal services. The grants were not requested by the recipients but were given to recognize the important role these smaller agencies play in their communities.
Among the organizations receiving support are Harvest Hope Food Bank, Mill Village Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, FoodShare South Carolina, One SC Fund and AIM. Since 2021, Duke Energy and its foundation have contributed more than $2.6 million to such efforts.
According to statistics cited by Duke Energy, more than 750,000 people in South Carolina face inconsistent access to high-quality meals—about one in seven residents—with children representing one out of every six individuals affected.
Tim Pearson, president of Duke Energy South Carolina 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 added: “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 from TOTAL Ministries stated: “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 from The Manna House commented: “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 at 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.”
Community members seeking assistance or looking for ways to contribute can find local feeding partners at SC211.org or by texting “FOOD” to 211211—a platform developed by United Way Association of South Carolina with initial support from Duke Energy Foundation.
Duke Energy serves millions of electric customers across several states including North Carolina and South Carolina. The company has been investing heavily in energy infrastructure upgrades while focusing on reliability and cleaner generation sources such as renewables.
More information about managing energy bills during difficult times can be found at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
