According to Feeding America, one in eight people face hunger in the state of South Carolina every day — and one in six of those are children.

“Those statistics are the unfortunate baseline for many families in South Carolina,” Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president, said in a statement. 

“That’s why it’s important for Duke Energy to support the organizations who do the great work to fight hunger across our state.”

Throughout November, Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation are donating over $500,000 to more than 50 feeding programs through Giving Tuesday on December 3 (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving). 

The funds will provide crucial support to local organizations like Mill Village Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, FoodShare South Carolina, and many more during a critical time. 

Communities throughout South Carolina are still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which tore through the east coast in late September and destroyed tens of thousands of households and businesses.

In South Carolina alone, thousands were left without power and access to clean drinking water for weeks on end and 49 people were killed — marking the deadliest disaster in state history. 

In late October, the Federal Emergency Management Agency released a report on repairs and progress made so far — and how much was still left to do. 

“We’ve made great progress over the past 30 days, but our work is not done,” Brett Howard — FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for South Carolina — said in a press release, noting that over 204,000 households had been helped so far. 

“FEMA remains on the ground, side by side with local and state partners, ensuring that recovery remains steady and effective for the affected families and communities in South Carolina.”

As recovery continues on a federal level, Duke Energy is using their resources to help local organizations throughout their monthlong campaign.

On November 7, Duke Energy even joined Mill Village Farms, WYFF and Bon Secours Wellness Arena in hosting a “Yam Jam” in Greenville, SC, in which 170 volunteers bagged nearly 50,000 pounds of sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving food boxes. 

“As we enter the holiday season and navigate the ongoing effects of Hurricane Helene, Mill Village Ministries is doubling down on our commitment to food access for every resident in our community,” said Dan Weidenbenner, executive director of Mill Village Farms and Mill Village Ministries. 

“In these challenging times, we’re grateful for the dedicated support from Duke Energy, allowing us to reach even more neighbors with the healthy food they deserve.”

With the project in full swing, Pearson said he hopes that this year’s campaign will give families the support they need as the nonprofits and feeding programs continue their shared mission: eliminating food insecurity in their state once and for all. 

“They are fighting the good fight every day in our communities,” he said, “but they cannot do it alone.”

To donate to the cause, you can text “FEED” to 80888.

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Header image via U.S. Department of Agriculture (CC0 1.0)