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
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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
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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
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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/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWrU2TbiLazorpOHjsDJhkA
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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/