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/

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-rae-063b22b6/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Bob-Rae-100050474529962/

X: https://x.com/BobRae48?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bob.rae/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1f-c-ZOhVjTM8p21FM3ktQ

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 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: https://www.cesinstitute.ca/sam-laban

https://www.guelphlab.ca/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-laban-a5368833/

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/