Food Justice VS Food Sovereignty VS Food Security, What does this mean? with Mustafa Koc (Part 1)

Hunger isn’t just about food—it’s about power, fairness, and dignity. The world produces more than enough food, so why do millions still go hungry?

 

In this episode of the Zero Hunger Project Podcast, hosts Suman Roy and Stacia Neale sit down with Dr. Mustafa Koc, an emeritus professor of sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University and a champion for equitable food systems. Dr. Mustafa has dedicated his career to reshaping how we think about food access and the systems that determine who eats and who doesn’t.

 

You’ll get a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of three key concepts: food security, food sovereignty, and food justice. These represent different paths to a future where no one goes hungry.

 

• Food security is about ensuring food is available and accessible.

• Food sovereignty demands that communities have control over their own food systems.

• Food justice digs even deeper, exposing how race, class, and gender impact food access.

 

Dr. Mustafa explains how food has been politicized, controlled, and even weaponized, and what you can do about it. From supporting local farmers to pushing for fair policies, your choices matter.

 

Hunger is not inevitable. It’s a system we can change.

 

What’s next? Tune in to this episode, get informed, and take action. Because the fight for food justice starts with you.

 

▶️ Food Justice VS Food Sovereignty VS Food Security, What does this mean? with Mustafa Koc

 

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Mustafa Koc is an emeritus professor of Sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University and a leading voice in food justice, sovereignty, and security. As a founding member of the Centre for Studies in Food Security, Food Secure Canada, and the Canadian Association for Food Studies, he has shaped critical discussions on equitable food systems. He currently serves on the boards of Food Secure Canada and the Canadian Association for Food Studies, advocating for policies that address systemic food inequities. Through his writings on Substack and academic contributions, Mustafa continues to challenge conventional perspectives on food governance. His work bridges research and activism, driving forward a more just and sustainable food system.

 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-koc-33b1a68b/ 

 

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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://scarbo