North Raleigh Today

Duke Energy Foundation has announced a donation of $125,000 in grant funding to several nonprofit organizations in Florida. This initiative aims to help those facing hunger, expanding on a previous $100,000 donation made in response to the hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy Florida, stated, “Duke Energy Florida is proud to support local nonprofits dedicated to providing food and fighting hunger on behalf of Floridians during difficult times. Together, with these organizations, we can decrease the number of families in our community that are experiencing hunger.”

The grants will aid groups that provide meals to individuals and families, focusing on children, adults, and seniors. Beneficiary organizations include Feed Hunger Now, Backpack Buddies, Seniors First, Osceola County Council on Aging, Council on Aging of Volusia County, St. Petersburg Free Clinic, and Metropolitan Ministries.

Feed Hunger Now, located in Seminole County, will receive $10,000 to enhance its sustainable food garden. Backpack Buddies will use its $10,000 grant to expand its weekend meal program for school-aged children in Volusia County.

Seniors First, awarded $20,000, operates the Meals on Wheels program in Orange County. Their president, Marsha Lorenz, emphasized the importance of their services: “Both our Meals on Wheels and Emergency Meals on Wheels programs are a critical lifeline to vulnerable seniors in our community.”

The Osceola County Council on Aging secured $40,000 to support its food pantry operations. The Council on Aging of Volusia County's "Aging with Dignity" program will benefit from a $5,000 grant, supplying nutrition and essential products to seniors.

Additionally, St. Petersburg Free Clinic's food bank operations will be bolstered by a $30,000 grant, while Metropolitan Ministries will receive $10,000 for its hunger relief efforts in Pasco County.

Duke Energy Foundation, funded by Duke Energy shareholders, provides over $30 million annually to community needs where its customers are located.

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, delivers electricity across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Duke Energy itself is a major energy holding company in the United States, undertaking significant investments in energy grid and generation upgrades.

More details can be found on Duke Energy's website and social media platforms, with additional contact available through Ana Gibbs at ana.gibbs@duke-energy.com.