Zero Hunger Project

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: https://about.me/stefanos.fotiou Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanosfotiou/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanosfotiou/   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: https://sumanroy.ca/ https://feedscarborough.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy4ward20#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuman/  X: https://x.com/chefsuman  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA  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: https://www.theskillsaudit.ca/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskillsaudit#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacianeale/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skills-audit/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskillsaudit/     #RethinkSDGs #TrueCostOfFood #FixBrokenSystems  

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: https://scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeedScarborough/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedscarborough  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scarborough-food-security-initiative/   X: https://x.com/feedscarborough  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySrX5FhXo0bjYw6SKpjURA  ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://sumanroy.ca/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy4ward20#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuman/  X: https://x.com/chefsuman  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA    ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://www.theskillsaudit.ca/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskillsaudit#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacianeale/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skills-audit/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskillsaudit/    

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-field-255b9113/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.field.982/  Twitter: https://x.com/debbie_field       ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeedScarborough/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedscarborough  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scarborough-food-security-initiative/   X: https://x.com/feedscarborough  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySrX5FhXo0bjYw6SKpjURA  ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://sumanroy.ca/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy4ward20#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuman/  X: https://x.com/chefsuman  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA    ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://www.theskillsaudit.ca/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskillsaudit#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacianeale/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skills-audit/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskillsaudit/    

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-koc-33b1a68b/     ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeedScarborough/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedscarborough  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scarborough-food-security-initiative/   X: https://x.com/feedscarborough  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySrX5FhXo0bjYw6SKpjURA  ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://sumanroy.ca/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy4ward20#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuman/  X: https://x.com/chefsuman  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA    ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://www.theskillsaudit.ca/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskillsaudit#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacianeale/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skills-audit/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskillsaudit/

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-koc-33b1a68b/     ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeedScarborough/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedscarborough  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scarborough-food-security-initiative/   X: https://x.com/feedscarborough  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySrX5FhXo0bjYw6SKpjURA      ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://sumanroy.ca/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy4ward20#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuman/  X: https://x.com/chefsuman  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA    ________________________________________________________________________________________   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: https://www.theskillsaudit.ca/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskillsaudit#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacianeale/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skills-audit/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskillsaudit/    

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: https://scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.com/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeedScarborough/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feedscarborough   X: https://x.com/feedscarborough  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySrX5FhXo0bjYw6SKpjURA      _____________________________________________________________________   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: https://sumanroy.ca/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy4ward20#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefsuman/  X: https://x.com/chefsuman  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA    ____________________________________________________________________   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: https://www.theskillsaudit.ca/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theskillsaudit#   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacianeale/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skills-audit/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskillsaudit/