Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have concluded a monthlong campaign aimed at supporting organizations that address food insecurity in South Carolina, announcing nearly $275,000 in surprise microgrants to more than 60 community groups. The funding was part of a broader initiative totaling over $600,000 in financial support and employee volunteer efforts with agencies across the state.
The contributions focused on smaller agencies running programs such as senior mobile food deliveries, weekend backpack meals for students, local food pantries, and veteran assistance. These grants were not requested by recipients but provided as “surcee” gifts—a term for an unexpected small present common in South Carolina culture.
“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,” said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president.
Since 2021, Duke Energy and its foundation have committed more than $2.6 million to these types of initiatives. Among this year’s beneficiaries are Harvest Hope Food Bank, Mill Village Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, FoodShare South Carolina, One SC Fund and AIM.
Mark Champagne, executive director of Sumter United Ministries said: “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 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 from 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 of 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.”
Recent data shows that over 750,000 people—one in seven residents—in South Carolina experience hunger regularly; among them one in six are children.
To connect with local feeding partners or find assistance nearby through SC211.org or by texting “FOOD” to 211211—a platform created by United Way Association of South Carolina with initial support from Duke Energy Foundation—residents can access resources quickly.
Duke Energy encourages customers facing hardship not only to seek out food aid but also information about managing energy bills during difficult times through its Seasonal Savings program (https://www.duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings).
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually for philanthropic initiatives where company customers live and work. Funded by shareholders rather than ratepayers or public funds (https://www.duke-energy.com), it supports efforts across multiple states.
Duke Energy is based in Charlotte and serves millions across six states while pursuing energy grid upgrades and cleaner power generation including renewables (https://news.duke-energy.com). More information about company programs is available on their website or social media channels.
