“I like to see where the food is going,” shared Rob Moore.
For most Wednesdays of the year, long before Toronto wakes up, he’s at Second Harvest’s warehouse. Alongside one of the organization’s drivers, Rob starts his day picking up and delivering rescued food to schools across the GTA.
The school run is a five-hour shift — one of many ways Rob has given his time and energy to Second Harvest since 2012. He likes providing kids with the proper nutrition that he knows “is going to help them in the learning journey.”
Whether he’s out on deliveries or helping in the warehouse, Rob shows up with consistency and care. As a retired accountant, he’s found real value in staying busy and connected to his community. And he encourages others to do the same: to seek volunteer opportunities that fit into their lifestyle and keep them engaged.
For Rob, that also includes teaching financial literacy through a volunteer program with CPA Canada. His admiration for young people is abundant.
“There’s quite a difference between the young mind and, you know, the older mind that gets set in its ways,” Rob shared with a smile. “The kids are great. They’re like sponges. They absorb new information. And they don’t have a fear of the unknown like us older people do.”
“It impresses me how smart they are. I’m always blown away when a student pipes up and gives me an answer that’s not even on my answer sheet — but it’s actually better than the recommended one.”
For Rob, it’s clear that both good nutrition and education are vital to helping kids reach their full potential.
“It's nice to know what we're doing with Second Harvest. Supporting the nutrition makes the learning experience a lot better,” he said.
Over the years, Rob’s steady presence has made him a familiar and welcome face in the schools where he volunteers. He recalls a time when he had to miss one of his regular volunteer shifts. The following week, he was back in a crowded school hallway for a food drop off.
“I was pushing the cart and this one kid stopped and looked at me and said, ‘You're back.’”
“‘Yeah,’ I told him. ‘I’m back.’”
At Second Harvest, we’re grateful for Rob’s quiet dedication— his early mornings, his belief in the potential of young people and his steady commitment to giving back. His time and care in nourishing young minds and futures is a beautiful reminder of how small, consistent acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression on a community.
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