Zero Hunger Project
Join us on the Zero Hunger Project Podcast, as we dive into the fight against hunger and explore actionable solutions to create a world where no one goes to bed hungry. Each episode highlights innovative programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts aimed at eradicating hunger. Through inspiring interviews, powerful stories, and expert insights, we bring you closer to the grassroots efforts and larger initiatives making a real impact. Learn how you can be part of the solution, whether through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness. Together, we can build a hunger-free future. Tune in and be part of the change!
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Why Feeding Northern Canada Is a Moral Imperative
06/03/2025
Why Feeding Northern Canada Is a Moral Imperative
What would happen if we treated feeding Northern Canada not as a challenge, but as a moral duty? In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Vice President of Equity and Inclusion at NOSM University and Vice President of Associate Faculties of Medicine of Canada, shares firsthand insights on why hunger in the North is political, not just geographical. He highlights grassroots successes that show what’s possible when communities are given the means to lead their own food systems. You’ll learn how policy gaps, colonial legacies, and extractive resource management continue to starve Indigenous communities while much of Canada remains unaware. Let this episode move you to ask harder questions and rethink what it means to stand in solidarity. Press play and hear what it truly takes to feed a nation fairly. ▶️ Why Feeding Northern Canada Is a Moral Imperative Dr. Joseph LeBlanc is the Director of Indigenous Affairs at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and a proud member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. A lifelong Northern Ontarian, he is deeply committed to advancing culturally safe health care and education for Indigenous communities. With a PhD in Forest Sciences and a strong background in community health, he brings valuable experience from academic, Indigenous, and non-profit sectors. Dr. LeBlanc has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Top 20 Under 40 Northwestern Ontario Visionary Award. His leadership supports NOSM's mandate of social accountability and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples across the region. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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Is Starving North Canada A Political Decision?
05/27/2025
Is Starving North Canada A Political Decision?
What if hunger in Northern Canada isn’t just a matter of distance or cost, but politics? In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Director of Indigenous Affairs at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, pulls back the curtain on the structural issues driving hunger in the North. He shares how policies rooted in colonialism, economic inequity, and environmental mismanagement continue to starve these communities. Dr. Joseph explains why short-term aid like grocery rebates can’t replace long-term systemic change, and shares grassroots solutions already thriving in Northern communities. Justice-driven solutions and powerful truths await. Listen now to explore how Northern communities are reclaiming their food systems. ▶️ Is Starving North Canada A Political Decision? Dr. Joseph LeBlanc, Associate Vice President, Equity and Inclusion, NOSM University and Vice President of AFMC and a proud member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. A lifelong Northern Ontarian, he is deeply committed to advancing culturally safe health care and education for Indigenous communities. With a PhD in Forest Sciences and a strong background in community health, he brings valuable experience from academic, Indigenous, and non-profit sectors. Dr. LeBlanc has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Top 20 Under 40 Northwestern Ontario Visionary Award. His leadership supports NOSM's mandate of social accountability and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples across the region. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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Cutting Food Waste to End World Hunger with Lori Nikkel
05/20/2025
Cutting Food Waste to End World Hunger with Lori Nikkel
In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, reveals how nearly half of Canada’s food goes to waste—and much of it is still perfectly edible. Lori shares how this isn’t just a hunger issue, but an environmental emergency, as she explains how food in landfills creates methane gas that directly contributes to the climate crisis. Whether you’re a business owner, policymaker, or concerned citizen, there’s a role for you in creating a better food system. Tune in and learn how to fight food waste—and help end hunger. ▶️ Cutting Food Waste to End World Hunger with Lori Nikkel Lori Nikkel is a visionary champion of social and environmental justice issues related to food. She is an international thought leader on Perishable Food Recovery with a strategic focus on increasing awareness of the negative impacts food loss and waste have on our climate. Lori’s guidance has changed the way Canada understands food loss and waste and food security. As the co-author of The Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste, she worked on the world's first evidence-based research that identified where, why, and how much food is lost and wasted across the supply chain. As CEO of Second Harvest, Lori scaled a local charity into a national food recovery network that redistributes millions of lbs. of healthy surplus food each year to thousands of communities supporting millions of Canadians. Website: Linkedin: Facebook: X: Instagram: YouTube: Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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The Unseen Global Crisis of Conflict, Climate, and Global Injustice with Bob Rae
05/13/2025
The Unseen Global Crisis of Conflict, Climate, and Global Injustice with Bob Rae
Hunger is more than empty plates—it's the result of conflict, climate change, and political injustice. Ambassador Bob Rae, Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, exposes the harsh truth behind global food insecurity and shares what it takes to bring real change. Canada’s role, alongside the UN's mission, is pivotal in reshaping global food security and building resilience against these growing crises. Listen to Ambassador Bob Rae reveal how we can break the cycle and build a world where no one is left behind. Tune in now. ▶️ The Unseen Global Crisis of Conflict, Climate, and Global Injustice with Bob Rae Bob Rae is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York. With a profound history in public service, he served as Premier of Ontario and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, contributing to key discussions on global conflict, climate change, and social justice. His diplomatic efforts include roles as Canada's Special Envoy to Myanmar and on Humanitarian and Refugee Issues, where he authored critical reports addressing global crises. An advocate for human rights and sustainable development, Bob Rae continues to champion policies that tackle inequality and injustice worldwide. Linkedin: Facebook: X: Instagram: YouTube: Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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Ending Campus Hunger with Sam Laban
05/06/2025
Ending Campus Hunger with Sam Laban
Hunger shouldn’t be part of getting a degree. Campus Hunger isn't about bad budgeting. It's about broken systems. In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Sam Laban, manager of the Guelph Lab, shares how institutions can stop treating student hunger as a rite of passage. He walks us through the power of data, student leadership, and bold university-led programs that tackle food insecurity at the root. Sam also challenges the toxic myth that hunger is just “part of the experience.” It’s not. It’s a barrier to graduation, mental wellness, and long-term stability. The cost of ignoring it is far greater than the cost of solving it. This is for people who believe that access to food should never be the thing that stands between someone and their future. Tune in now and explore what it really means to build hunger-free campuses because no student should have to choose between learning and eating. ▶️ Ending Campus Hunger with Sam Laban Sam Laban is in charge of the day-to-day management of the Guelph Lab. He is responsible for developing and managing projects, designing and facilitating workshops, developing partnerships, and brokering research/scholarly work. He works with City of Guelph staff, University staff, faculty and students, as well as with citizens of all stripes (businesses, community organizations and groups, individuals) to develop promising solutions to pressing challenges facing the region. Website: Linkedin: Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn:
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A Future Without Hunger Is Possible with Stefanos Fotiou
04/30/2025
A Future Without Hunger Is Possible with Stefanos Fotiou
Hunger persists, not because we lack food, but because we’ve accepted broken systems for far too long. In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, you’ll hear from Stefanos Fotiou, who’s doing more than imagining that future. He calls out the system failures, food waste, skewed pricing, and harmful subsidies that keep people hungry while letting power stay concentrated. The message is clear: hunger isn’t caused by scarcity. It’s caused by structure. And the structure can be changed. Being a consumer isn’t enough anymore. We must become food citizens, people who care about where food comes from, who grows it, and how it shapes our communities and the planet. ▶️ A Future Without Hunger Is Possible with Stefanos Fotiou Stefanos Fotiou is a global leader in sustainable development with 30 years of experience across the UN system, private sector, and research institutions. He currently serves as Director of the SDG Office at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and leads the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub. Stefanos plays a pivotal role in helping countries drive SDG-based agrifood transformations. His leadership was instrumental in the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking, dubbed the “UN Assembly for Food Systems.” Through strategic coordination and bold action, he continues to challenge the status quo of global development systems. Website: Linkedin: Instagram: Feed Scarborough is a vital community organization working to create a Hunger-Free Resilient Scarborough through innovative, dignity-focused food programs. Founded by Suman Roy in 2018, it has grown from a small holiday initiative into a multi-site operation serving over 7,500 residents weekly. Website: Facebook: Instagram: Linkedin: X: Youtube: Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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The Painful Truth About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Stefanos Fotiou
04/22/2025
The Painful Truth About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Stefanos Fotiou
Why do millions still suffer from hunger despite the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and decades of promises? In this episode, Suman Roy and Stacia Neale sit down with Stefanos Fotiou, a global force in sustainable development and Director at the UN FAO, to ask the hard questions about the SDGs. He’s here to break the silence on why the world is failing on its most ambitious goals and shares why, if we stay on the current path, most SDG targets will remain out of reach. They also dig deeper truths behind food waste, market imbalance, and why only 7.8 cents of every dollar in food value goes to farmers in the U.S. You’ll walk away with one thing: this isn’t a resource problem; it’s a systems problem. Fixing it starts with changing how we think, act, and hold power accountable. ▶️ The Painful Truth About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Key Points: 00:00 Introduction 03:53 What SDGs are and why they matter. 05:14 How far off track we are. 06:55 The physics of failure: momentum, inertia, friction. 11:57 Rethinking sustainable development systems. 13:09 The role of ideology and short-term thinking. 16:54 True cost of food systems. 17:53 Power imbalance in the food value chain. 20:08 Overconsumption and food waste crisis. Stefanos Fotiou is a global leader in sustainable development with 30 years of experience across the UN system, private sector, and research institutions. He currently serves as Director of the SDG Office at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and leads the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub. Stefanos plays a pivotal role in helping countries drive SDG-based agrifood transformations. His leadership was instrumental in the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking, dubbed the “UN Assembly for Food Systems.” Through strategic coordination and bold action, he continues to challenge the status quo of global development systems. Website: Linkedin: Instagram: Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: #RethinkSDGs #TrueCostOfFood #FixBrokenSystems
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Zero Hunger Vision: Resilience Over Rations
04/15/2025
Zero Hunger Vision: Resilience Over Rations
Fighting hunger isn’t just about handing out food. It’s about building systems that work. In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project Podcast, Stacia Neale interviews Suman Roy. Suman shares the three-layer approach of Feed Scarborough: emergency food access, building community resilience, and pushing for long-term policy solutions. They also speak about hunger in the Global North—why it’s often ignored, and why that must stop. From food policy at the UN to grassroots organizing in Canada, you’ll get an inside look at what it takes to push for real, sustainable change. Feeding people is not enough. We must give them the tools, the respect, and the opportunities to feed themselves. Never believe that hunger is too big a problem to solve. Tune in now and take the first step toward real change. ▶️ Zero Hunger Vision: Resilience Over Rations ________________________________________________________________________________________ Feed Scarborough is a vital community organization working to create a Hunger-Free Resilient Scarborough through innovative, dignity-focused food programs. Founded by Suman Roy in 2018, it has grown from a small holiday initiative into a multi-site operation serving over 7,500 residents weekly. The organization runs six food banks, a mobile healthy meal program, farmers’ markets, and community gardens while also offering long-term solutions like culinary training and small business support. Central to its mission is the belief that access to healthy food is a human right. Feed Scarborough’s approach tackles both urgent food insecurity and the systemic causes of poverty. Website: Facebook: Instagram: Linkedin: X: Youtube: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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Fueling Brighter Futures Through National School Food Policy with Debbie Field
04/08/2025
Fueling Brighter Futures Through National School Food Policy with Debbie Field
Imagine a world where every child starts their day with a full stomach and a real shot at learning, growing, and thriving. This MUST be a basic right, right? In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project Podcast, hosts Suman Roy and Stacia Neale connect with Debbie Field, the coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, who shares how her personal experience as a child in New York's school lunch line shaped her lifelong mission to fight food insecurity. She has been a driving force behind Canada’s first-ever national school food program. With over 360 nonprofit partners and 140 endorsers, Debbie helps to lead the charge to ensure all children have access to healthy food at school. From community-run programs in Toronto to the recent federal policy breakthroughs, she outlines how local advocacy sparked national change. You’ll learn how parents, educators, and everyday citizens played a role in pushing this forward. The path to food justice often starts right where you are—with a teacher, a lunchroom, and a shared vision. Tune in to this episode and learn how your voice—yes, yours—can help build a future where no child learns on an empty stomach. ▶️ Fueling Brighter Futures Through National School Food Policy with Debbie Field ________________________________________________________________________________________ Debbie Field is the Coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, leading a network of 360+ organizations advocating for a National School Food Program. With extensive experience in food security and policy, she is an Associate Member at the Centre for Studies in Food Security at Toronto Metropolitan University and a Visiting Faculty Member at McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy. Debbie’s work focuses on ensuring equitable access to nutritious meals for children and shaping policies that prioritize health and education. She holds degrees in Sociology and Adult Education, along with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from York University. Through research, advocacy, and policy development, she continues to drive systemic change in school food programs nationwide. Linkedin: Facebook: Twitter: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Feed Scarborough is a vital community organization working to create a Hunger-Free Resilient Scarborough through innovative, dignity-focused food programs. Founded by Suman Roy in 2018, it has grown from a small holiday initiative into a multi-site operation serving over 7,500 residents weekly. The organization runs six food banks, a mobile healthy meal program, farmers’ markets, and community gardens while also offering long-term solutions like culinary training and small business support. Central to its mission is the belief that access to healthy food is a human right. Feed Scarborough’s approach tackles both urgent food insecurity and the systemic causes of poverty. Website: Facebook: Instagram: Linkedin: X: Youtube: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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Food Justice VS Food Sovereignty VS Food Security, What does this mean? with Mustafa Koc (Part 2)
04/08/2025
Food Justice VS Food Sovereignty VS Food Security, What does this mean? with Mustafa Koc (Part 2)
The way food is grown, distributed, and accessed affects every single person on this planet. But do we truly understand the difference between food justice, food sovereignty, and food security? In the second-part episode of our interview with Dr. Mustafa Koc, emeritus professor of sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University, hosts Suman Roy and Stacia Neale discuss his decades-push for policies that prioritize people over profits in the fight against hunger. Dr. Mustafa also reveals how corporate power, political inaction, and broken policies keep people hungry. And why your voice and your choices can help shift the tide. The episode highlights the role of governments, local farmers, and communities in reclaiming food systems, making them fairer, more sustainable, and truly accessible to all. What can you do right now? It starts with understanding the systems at play, supporting local food initiatives, and demanding change from those in power. Tune in, learn, and be part of the movement for real food justice. ▶️ Food Justice VS Food Sovereignty VS Food Security, What does this mean? with Mustafa Koc (Part 2) ________________________________________________________________________________________ Mustafa Koc is an emeritus professor of Sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University and a leading voice in food justice, sovereignty, and security. As a founding member of the Centre for Studies in Food Security, Food Secure Canada, and the Canadian Association for Food Studies, he has shaped critical discussions on equitable food systems. He currently serves on the boards of Food Secure Canada and the Canadian Association for Food Studies, advocating for policies that address systemic food inequities. Through his writings on Substack and academic contributions, Mustafa continues to challenge conventional perspectives on food governance. His work bridges research and activism, driving forward a more just and sustainable food system. Linkedin: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Feed Scarborough is a vital community organization working to create a Hunger-Free Resilient Scarborough through innovative, dignity-focused food programs. Founded by Suman Roy in 2018, it has grown from a small holiday initiative into a multi-site operation serving over 7,500 residents weekly. The organization runs six food banks, a mobile healthy meal program, farmers’ markets, and community gardens while also offering long-term solutions like culinary training and small business support. Central to its mission is the belief that access to healthy food is a human right. Feed Scarborough’s approach tackles both urgent food insecurity and the systemic causes of poverty. Website: Facebook: Instagram: Linkedin: X: Youtube: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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Food Justice VS Food Sovereignty VS Food Security, What does this mean? with Mustafa Koc (Part 1)
04/08/2025
Food Justice VS Food Sovereignty VS Food Security, What does this mean? with Mustafa Koc (Part 1)
Hunger isn’t just about food—it’s about power, fairness, and dignity. The world produces more than enough food, so why do millions still go hungry? In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project Podcast, hosts Suman Roy and Stacia Neale sit down with Dr. Mustafa Koc, an emeritus professor of sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University and a champion for equitable food systems. Dr. Mustafa has dedicated his career to reshaping how we think about food access and the systems that determine who eats and who doesn’t. You’ll get a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of three key concepts: food security, food sovereignty, and food justice. These represent different paths to a future where no one goes hungry. Food security is about ensuring food is available and accessible. Food sovereignty demands that communities have control over their own food systems. Food justice digs even deeper, exposing how race, class, and gender impact food access. Dr. Mustafa explains how food has been politicized, controlled, and even weaponized, and what you can do about it. From supporting local farmers to pushing for fair policies, your choices matter. Hunger is not inevitable. It’s a system we can change. What’s next? Tune in to this episode, get informed, and take action. Because the fight for food justice starts with you. ▶️ Food Justice VS Food Sovereignty VS Food Security, What does this mean? with Mustafa Koc ________________________________________________________________________________________ Mustafa Koc is an emeritus professor of Sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University and a leading voice in food justice, sovereignty, and security. As a founding member of the Centre for Studies in Food Security, Food Secure Canada, and the Canadian Association for Food Studies, he has shaped critical discussions on equitable food systems. He currently serves on the boards of Food Secure Canada and the Canadian Association for Food Studies, advocating for policies that address systemic food inequities. Through his writings on Substack and academic contributions, Mustafa continues to challenge conventional perspectives on food governance. His work bridges research and activism, driving forward a more just and sustainable food system. Linkedin: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Feed Scarborough is a vital community organization working to create a Hunger-Free Resilient Scarborough through innovative, dignity-focused food programs. Founded by Suman Roy in 2018, it has grown from a small holiday initiative into a multi-site operation serving over 7,500 residents weekly. The organization runs six food banks, a mobile healthy meal program, farmers’ markets, and community gardens while also offering long-term solutions like culinary training and small business support. Central to its mission is the belief that access to healthy food is a human right. Feed Scarborough’s approach tackles both urgent food insecurity and the systemic causes of poverty. Website: Facebook: Instagram: Linkedin: X: Youtube: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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Introduction to the Zero Hunger Project Podcast
04/07/2025
Introduction to the Zero Hunger Project Podcast
World hunger remains one of the most pressing issues of our time, but real change is within reach. The simple key is building a future where no one goes hungry. Welcome to the Zero Hunger Project Podcast, where meaningful conversations spark action. This is a movement, and you are a crucial part of it. In this first episode, hosts Suman Roy and Stacia Neale introduce the mission of the podcast: solving world hunger. That may sound impossible, but real change starts with bold conversations. With the right minds, systemic solutions, and a commitment to action, we can move closer to a world without hunger. You’ll hear why hunger persists—not because of a lack of food, but because of deeper issues like poverty, political instability, and inequality. Understanding the root causes is the first step toward real solutions. You have a role to play. Whether through advocacy, supporting sustainable solutions, or simply spreading awareness, your actions matter. Hunger is not inevitable—it’s a challenge we can solve, and it starts with you. Subscribe now, share your thoughts, and let’s build a world where no one goes to bed hungry. ▶️ Introduction to the Zero Hunger Project Podcast Feed Scarborough is a vital community organization working to create a Hunger-Free Resilient Scarborough through innovative, dignity-focused food programs. Founded by Suman Roy in 2018, it has grown from a small holiday initiative into a multi-site operation serving over 7,500 residents weekly. The organization runs six food banks, a mobile healthy meal program, farmers’ markets, and community gardens while also offering long-term solutions like culinary training and small business support. Central to its mission is the belief that access to healthy food is a human right. Feed Scarborough’s approach tackles both urgent food insecurity and the systemic causes of poverty. Website: Facebook: Instagram: X: Youtube: _____________________________________________________________________ Suman Roy is a globally recognized leader in food security, poverty reduction, and community resilience. As the founder of Feed Scarborough and a key force behind Hunger-Free Canada and the Zero Hunger Project, he is dedicated to ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. He played a pivotal role in crafting Toronto’s first Food Strategy and has represented Canada at the United Nations and FAO to champion sustainable development goals. With multiple global leadership awards, including CEO of the Year (NGO) and Visionary of the Year, Suman is a sought-after expert on global food security. His mission is clear: to create a hunger-free, resilient future for all. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: X: Youtube: ____________________________________________________________________ Stacia Neale, M.A., is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering equality, representation, and social justice. With a background in sociology and decades of experience across entrepreneurial, non-profit, and corporate sectors, she brings a unique perspective to addressing systemic challenges. During the pandemic, she launched The Skills Audit, a transformative program empowering individuals to articulate their professional identities and maximize their potential. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and creating opportunities for growth. Through authenticity and advocacy, Stacia continues to champion meaningful change on a global scale. Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
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