Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have concluded a monthlong campaign to support organizations addressing food insecurity in South Carolina, announcing nearly $275,000 in surprise microgrants and contributions. These funds are part of a larger effort that provided more than $600,000 to over 60 community organizations focused on hunger relief across the state.
The campaign included both financial support and employee volunteerism for programs that distribute food boxes, supply weekend meals for students, assist veterans, and provide mobile meal services for seniors. Among the recipients were Harvest Hope Food Bank, Mill Village Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, FoodShare South Carolina, One SC Fund, AIM, and others.
The microgrants—referred to as “surcee” contributions—were not solicited by the recipient organizations. Instead, they recognize smaller agencies that fill critical gaps in their neighborhoods. 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.”
Other leaders expressed appreciation for the support. 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 from TOTAL Ministries said: “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 added: “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 statistics cited by Duke Energy’s initiative organizers, more than 750,000 people in South Carolina face inconsistent access to high-quality meals; one out of every seven residents experiences hunger daily—including one out of every six children.
Residents seeking local feeding partners can search online at SC211.org or text “FOOD” to 211211—a platform created by United Way Association of South Carolina with initial support from Duke Energy Foundation.
Duke Energy also provides information for customers facing difficulty paying energy bills at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
The Duke Energy Foundation annually contributes over $30 million toward philanthropic initiatives in communities where its customers live and work.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), based in Charlotte, North Carolina https://www.duke-energy.com/, is among America’s largest energy holding companies serving millions across several states while investing in grid upgrades and cleaner generation technologies.
More information about company initiatives can be found at duke-energy.com or through their social media channels on X https://twitter.com/DukeEnergy/, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/duke-energy-corporation/, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/duke_energy/ or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy/. Additional stories are available on illumination https://illumination.duke-energy.com/.
For further inquiries contact Ryan Mosier at 800-559-3853.
