Food is more than fuel. It carries memory, identity, and dignity and when food systems ignore that, people are left behind. In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Dr. Jo Sharma, Associate Professor of Food and Environmental Studies at the University of Toronto and a founding member of the Culinaria Research Centre, explains why food security, food sovereignty, and food infrastructure cannot exist in silos especially in cities. You'll hear how urban design, public space, and policy choices shape who eats well and who does not, often along cultural and economic lines. Street food, local markets, and community-led food initiatives show how dignity and access can return to everyday life. These food spaces, whether in Toronto or cities around the world, support small entrepreneurs, reduce waste, and help make nourishing food something people can count on. This episode challenges you to see food as a shared civic responsibility. Tune in now: Food Is Culture: Rebuilding Urban Food Systems With Dignity. Jo (Jayeeta) Sharma (M.Phil Delhi, PhD Cambridge, FRGS) is an Associate Professor of Food and Environmental Studies at the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences (DPES) of the University of Toronto. She is a founding member of the Culinaria Research Centre. She holds graduate appointments at the Department of History, the School of the Environment, and at DPES. She is a faculty affiliate of the SDGs Scholars Academy, School of Cities, and the Centre for Critical South Asian Humanities. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and an elected Board Member of the Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS). She is a founding co-editor of the 'Culinaria' book series (University of Toronto Press), and editor of the 'Empires in Perspective' history book series (Routledge 2016-). She is also co-editor of the Global Food History journal. Website: https://utsc.utoronto.ca/culinaria/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/culinariautsc/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/culinariautsc/?hl=en X: https://x.com/culinariautsc?lang=en 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/chef.suman.7 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/ Produced by https://www.BroadcastYourAuthority.com
