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Funding will support nearly 70 organizations helping communities access nutritious food
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“Powering Plates. Nourishing Neighbors.” pairs grants and employee service with a focus on the local organizations doing the work
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation are providing more than $500,000 to support nearly 70 South Carolina organizations during the monthlong “Powering Plates. Nourishing Neighbors.” campaign, which raises awareness of food insecurity and spotlights the groups helping residents access nutritious food.
Why it matters: More than 865,000 South Carolinians – including 1 in 5 children – lack consistent access to nutritious meals. The need is statewide and year-round, but community feeding programs often see demand rise during colder months and the holiday season.
The big picture: “Powering Plates. Nourishing Neighbors.” is about bringing communities together to fight hunger. The Duke Energy Foundation is investing more than $500,000 with organizations across the state, and the campaign pairs grants with employee volunteer projects designed to spotlight the people and programs closest to the need.
By the numbers:
- More than $500,000 supporting nearly 70 organizations
- More than 865,000 South Carolinians affected by food insecurity
- $130,000 in Giving Tuesday microgrants
- More than $3.1 million provided to organizations fighting hunger since 2021
“Food insecurity can be easy to miss, but it touches every part of our state,” said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy South Carolina president. “Our role is to help shine a light on the need, stand beside the trusted organizations doing this work every day and encourage others to get involved. These partners know their communities best, and their work is making a meaningful difference for children, families, students and older adults across our state.”
Three communities, one shared purpose
The campaign launches with FoodShare South Carolina activities in Florence, Mill Village Farms’ Yam Jam in Greenville and a Hidden Wounds meal-packing event in Sumter.
- Florence: On Nov. 4, volunteers packed and distributed 200 fresh-food boxes in the Pee Dee as My Brother’s Keeper Shelter and FoodShare South Carolina announced a permanent FoodShare hub in Florence. (VIDEO)
- Greenville: Duke Energy joins Mill Village Farms Nov. 5 in presenting the fifth annual Yam Jam at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The event brings together more than 200 volunteers from businesses and community organizations to pack thousands of pounds of sweet potatoes. Duke Energy’s support also includes $100,000 to support FoodShare South Carolina hubs in the Upstate. (VIDEO)
- Sumter: Duke Energy employees are joining Hidden Wounds Nov. 5 to pack and distribute Thanksgiving meals, connecting food assistance with an organization that serves veterans and families in the community.
What they’re saying
- Ashley Page Bookhart, Director of Programs at FoodShare South Carolina: “Healthy food shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code. With My Brother’s Keeper Shelter as our partner and Duke Energy’s support, we’re building something lasting in Florence, a place where families across the Pee Dee can count on fresh, nutritious food.”
- Dan Weidenbenner, Executive Director of Mill Village Ministries: “We are incredibly thankful for Duke Energy and their continued commitment to the communities we serve. For too many families in Greenville and across South Carolina, having access to fresh, healthy food is a daily challenge. No one should struggle to find affordable, nutritious food for their household. Partnerships like this remind us of what’s possible when we come together with a shared purpose. With Duke Energy’s support, we can continue breaking down barriers, reaching more families, and helping build a healthier, stronger community where everyone can experience dignity and belonging.”
- Dr. Lance Newman, Hidden Wounds Executive Director: “No veteran should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, especially during a time of year when families come together to give thanks. For the second year in a row, Hidden Wounds is proud to partner with Duke Energy to help address food insecurity among our veterans and ensure those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom have food on their tables this Thanksgiving.”
What’s next
Throughout November, Duke Energy Foundation grants will support senior meal delivery, FoodShare South Carolina distributions, technical college food pantries, weekend backpack programs, community food banks and holiday meals. Duke Energy employees will pack and deliver meals, prepare food bags for students and assist with distributions statewide.
- The finish: On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1, the campaign will conclude with $130,000 in unsolicited “surcee” microgrants. South Carolinians know surcees as small, unexpected gifts, and these microgrants will go to dozens of community organizations meeting critical local needs.
- Help is available: South Carolinians can volunteer, donate or find nearby food resources at SC211.org or by texting “FOOD” to 211211. Duke Energy customers facing difficult financial choices can find energy-saving and bill-management resources at duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.
More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.
Media Contact: Catherine Ramirez
24-Hour: 800.559.3853