Ending hunger starts with recognizing the immense potential of food to shape resilient, just communities.

In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, our guest Dr. Lauren Baker, Deputy Director of the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, shares clear, grounded ways we can reshape food systems for the better. Using real-world examples from across the globe, she explains how moving away from corporate-driven models can give communities more control, improve public health, and support a more sustainable future.

From peer-led farming initiatives in India to community food hubs in Canada, Dr. Lauren shows what happens when people organize, advocate, and build systems that truly nourish.

Now is the time to think clearly and act with purpose. Tune in and join the movement toward a just and thriving food future.▶️ Global Purpose Igniting Food System Transformation.

Dr. Lauren Baker is the Deputy Director of the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, where she leads strategic programs tackling the true cost of food, transformational investing, and agroecology. A systems thinker and skilled facilitator, she works across philanthropic, policy, and grassroots networks to address climate, biodiversity, food security, and equity. She holds a PhD in Environmental Studies, with a focus on biodiversity and food policy in Mexico. Lauren’s work bridges practical action with visionary leadership to create food systems that nourish both people and planet.

Website: https://futureoffood.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-e-baker1/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/futureoffood/

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/

In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, you’ll see how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) come to life through local acts that ripple outward, touching the world. Global change can actually start with a single school, a seed in the ground, or a story shared with a neighbor.

Our guest, Dr. Hlami Ngwenya, a global expert in sustainable agriculture and systemic change, shares powerful insights on how everyday people are already contributing to SDG progress—even if they don't realize it.

You'll also hear community-led actions at malls, schools, and social media—reminding us that we don’t need to wait for top-down change.

Change doesn't need permission. Press play and be reminded: local acts have a global impact.

▶️ Local Acts, Global Impact: Sustainable Development Goals in Action

Dr. Hlami Ngwenya is a global expert in sustainable agriculture and systemic change, with a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and a strong focus on ending hunger. As Founder of Facilitation of Systemic Change Consulting, she has worked across sectors and continents, leading transformative programs that empower communities and institutions. Her roles with GFRAS, the South African Department of Agriculture, and various international networks highlight her deep commitment to food and nutrition security. A recipient of the prestigious Order of the Baobab in Bronze, Dr. Ngwenya brings decades of experience in multi-stakeholder facilitation, policy engagement, and youth mentorship. Her work embodies the principles of scaling up, scaling out, and scaling deep to end world hunger.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hlami-ngwenya-ba439415/?originalSubdomain=za

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/

How do you turn a good idea into a global solution?

In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Dr. Hlami Ngwenya, Founder of Facilitation of Systemic Change Consulting, breaks down a transformative framework: scale up, scale out, and scale deep. Through compelling real-world examples and a unique "PERFECT" model (Policies, Education, Research, Farming, Extension, Communication, and Technology), she shows why systemic change is not only possible but already underway.

You’ll hear how collaboration across sectors—from farmers to policymakers—and a mindset of mutual care can create ripple effects that transform entire regions.

Let this episode inspire you to see the full elephant, not just the part you’re touching. Hit play and explore how scaling the right ideas the right way can truly change the world.

▶️ Ending World Hunger: Scaling Up, Scaling Out, Scaling Deep

Dr. Hlami Ngwenya is a global expert in sustainable agriculture and systemic change, with a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and a strong focus on ending hunger. As Founder of Facilitation of Systemic Change Consulting, she has worked across sectors and continents, leading transformative programs that empower communities and institutions. Her roles with GFRAS, the South African Department of Agriculture, and various international networks highlight her deep commitment to food and nutrition security. A recipient of the prestigious Order of the Baobab in Bronze, Dr. Ngwenya brings decades of experience in multi-stakeholder facilitation, policy engagement, and youth mentorship. Her work embodies the principles of scaling up, scaling out, and scaling deep to end world hunger.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hlami-ngwenya-ba439415/?originalSubdomain=za

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/

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: https://www.nosm.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenosm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/nosmuniversity/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenosm/

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/

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: https://www.nosm.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenosm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/nosmuniversity/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenosm/

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/