To end November, Duke Energy closed out a monthlong initiative to support organizations that address food insecurities and inequities across South Carolina.

It donated $170,000 in microgrants to community organizations across the state as a surprise.

Duke Energy's monthlong initiative provided over $325,000 to more than 40 feeding programs leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday and Giving Tuesday.

"If you grew up in South Carolina, you likely know that a surcee is a small, unexpected gift," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina president.

"What better way to head into the holiday season than giving a little something to these great organizations who work so hard throughout the year to help keep our friends and neighbors from going hungry," Callahan added.

Helping the Community

The microgrants were unannounced and not solicited by the receiving organizations. These "surcee" grants recognize the important gaps these typically smaller agencies fill in the neighborhoods they serve.

"Sumter United Ministries is grateful to be a Giving Tuesday partner with Duke Energy to address food insecurity with their donation," said Mark Champagne, executive director of Sumter United Ministries.

"Our main purpose is to assist people consistently week in and week out. This money will help us purchase food throughout the year assuring that we have the right variety of food to best serve our neighbors. Thank you, Duke Energy for caring for our neighbors right here in Sumter County."

"With the donation from Duke Energy, Hub City Farmers Market will continue to work on closing the food equity gap in Spartanburg Count by offering Double SNAP incentives at our Saturday Market," said Dori Burgess, executive director of Hub City Farmers Market.

"Researchers have shown that SNAP reduces poverty and food insecurity, and these impacts lead to improved health and economic outcomes, especially among children who receive SNAP.”

As Spartanburg's only provider of the Double SNAP incentive, we are committed to turning $1 into $2 for residents in the area. Continuing this program for Spartanburg families would not be possible without Duke Energy's support."

Duke Energy worked with several community partners to help achieve its goal to fight hunger. And its employees and retirees volunteered with these and other organizations throughout the month to assist in packing and distributing food boxes, as well as providing sweat equity to other feeding programs in their neighborhoods.

And just last month, Duke Energy also helped Florida residents. It dedicated $600,000 to 10 Florida-based assistance programs to help customers cover household expenses.