Canada's wealth tells only part of the story. Behind the headlines, millions of children face daily choices no child should have to make.

In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project, Leila Sarangi, Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation at Family Service Toronto, connects child poverty, food insecurity, and policy decisions shaping life across the country. Drawing on decades of community-based work and national advocacy, she explains why hunger in Canada is not inevitable, but the result of choices that can be changed.

The discussion breaks down how income insecurity, rising food costs, and systemic inequities place children and single-parent households at higher risk. You'll learn why food banks and short-term fixes fall short, and how income supports like the Canada Child Benefit, fair taxation, and community-driven food systems can create lasting stability.

Learn how collective pressure can move Canada closer to a future where every child has enough to eat. Watch the full episode of Why Child Poverty and Food Insecurity Still Define Canada.

Leila Sarangi is the Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation at Family Service Toronto, bringing over 25 years of experience in community-based research, organizing, and nonprofit leadership. Her work centers on connecting lived community experiences to public policy in order to drive lasting, systems-level change. Leila applies equity and anti-oppression frameworks—particularly intersectional gender equity—to issues including poverty reduction, housing, and violence prevention. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she leads complex, data-informed initiatives that bridge strategy, policy, and frontline realities.

Website: https://familyservicetoronto.org/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilasarangi/?originalSubdomain=ca

https://www.linkedin.com/company/family-service-toronto/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyServiceToronto

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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/chef.suman.7

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefsuman/

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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/

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