RBC Fights Hunger: Employee-led initiative supports nonprofits combatting food insecurity

Summer can be an especially challenging time for families experiencing food insecurity. Without access to school lunches, many families face a significant gap in food resources. Yet, while demand for food assistance increases during the summer months, donations to food pantries, shelters and nonprofits often decline. Community-led initiatives, such as food drives, play an essential role in supporting these organizations and helping families put food on the table during this time.

For the past five years, RBC Wealth Management–U.S. employees have participated in a grassroots campaign called RBC Fights Hunger, partnering with nonprofits that offer food assistance in communities across the United States. With over 100 volunteer events hosted nationwide throughout July, RBC colleagues collectively work to address food insecurity and strengthen the communities where they live and work.

Minnie’s Food Pantry (MFP) in Plano, Texas, is one of the organizations where RBC colleagues have lent a hand. The nonprofit started in 2008 with the belief that wellness begins with healthy food and financial education. MFP provides several programs aimed to help families gain long-term food security and access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Colleagues in the Texas North Complex helped pack and distribute meals at Minnie’s Food Pantry and assisted customers in their store. Photo courtesy of RBC Wealth Management.

With four locations in three states, Minnie’s Food Pantry has provided over 15 million healthy meals to families in need. Like many nonprofits, they depend on volunteers for support. “July is typically the toughest time to get volunteers,” says Erica Simon, director of Volunteering at MFP. “The partnership with RBC and seeing their staff show up every day with smiles, ready to serve our community, has meant the world to us.”

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, Simpson Housing Services supports nearly 2,000 individuals and families experiencing homelessness each year through its 24/7 extended-stay shelter, supportive housing and youth programs.

The RBC WM-U.S. Corporate Communications and Community Affairs teams prepared, cooked and served meals at Simpson Housing Services in Minneapolis. Photo courtesy of RBC Wealth Management.

With a mission to house, support and empower people impacted by homelessness, the organization relies on community support and partnerships. From countless volunteer shifts to cook and serve meals, to RBC Foundation – USA grants and employees serving on the board of directors, RBC has supported Simpson for 25 years—a testament to their shared commitment to the Twin Cities community.

“We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with RBC,” said Elisabeth Loeffler, Director of Advancement and Communications at Simpson Housing Services. “Through this partnership, more people in our community can access safe, stable housing and nutritious food—essentials for a healthy, thriving community.”

RBC Fights Hunger continues to gain momentum. The July 2025 campaign saw employees log over 11,000 volunteer hours and contribute nearly $200,000 for nonprofits battling food insecurity. “Giving back is a core value for us at RBC” says Anupa Philip, complex assistant manager for RBC Wealth Management’s Texas North Complex. “We’re so proud to be a part of something bigger, connecting with our communities and serving them with compassion.”

Learn more about how RBC Wealth Management supports the communities where we live and work.