Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have concluded a monthlong campaign to support organizations addressing food insecurity in South Carolina. The company announced nearly $275,000 in unexpected microgrants and contributions to more than 60 community groups across the state.
This initiative is part of a larger effort that provided over $600,000 in financial assistance and employee volunteer work during the month. The funds supported programs such as food distribution, weekend meal packs for students, veteran aid, and senior mobile meals. Organizations receiving support include Harvest Hope Food Bank, Mill Village Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, FoodShare South Carolina, One SC Fund, and AIM.
The surprise “surcee” funding was not requested by the recipients but was intended to recognize the roles smaller agencies play in their communities. Since 2021, Duke Energy and its foundation have dedicated more than $2.6 million to these 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 from 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 of The Manna House noted: “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 from Food Bank of Greenwood stated: “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 widespread in South Carolina; over 750,000 residents lack regular access to high-quality meals—about one out of every seven people—and one out of six children faces hunger daily.
To locate local food banks or soup kitchens nearby or request assistance via text message—an initiative launched by United Way Association of South Carolina with initial backing from Duke Energy Foundation—residents can search online at SC211.org or text “FOOD” to 211211.
Duke Energy customers facing difficulty paying bills can find resources on managing energy costs at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million each year for philanthropic causes where its customers live and work. It is funded by shareholders.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), based in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves 8.6 million electric utility customers across six states including Florida; its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers across five states including South Carolina.
