Most would not think of investigating food policies, production options, distribution systems and food security in their region or in a new location they're considering. Yet, food vulnerability is an increasing reality in this century, whether it takes the form of bird flu, drought, soaring fuel prices, vanishing agricultural land or a host of unpredictable events.

According to Toronto-based FoodShare , "Advocating and developing innovative and just food policies goes hand-in-hand with a community-based approach to food security." FoodShare is not a food bank, but a forward-thinking community-based non-profit that takes "a multifaceted, innovative and long-term approach to hunger and food issues" by encouraging each individual to consider the food system as an extension of their health, environment and social well-being in an urban context.

To evaluate local food security, consider issues that disrupt or undermine existing patterns:

• If temporary or permanent health or financial changes (like retiring on a fixed income) prevent you from continuing your usual food gathering and preparation activities, how will you ensure you have enough food and the right nourishment for continued well-being?

• In the event of an epidemic or pandemic, how will you get food to your door?

• What emergency plans for food security and distribution exist for your neighbourhood, municipality and region should disaster or crisis strike unexpectedly?

• What long-term policies are consistently applied in your area to protect agricultural land and local food-production capacity?

Knowledge is power and the acquiring of it can be an exhilarating experience. If research like this sounds daunting, start by learning more about the food experts in your community:

• Locate a public nutritionist through the public health office and/or parks and recreation.

• Contact local food agencies and community-based nonprofits.

• Search for local information on the internet.

• Talk to your friends to find out what they've discovered and team up to share the investigation.

• Join a forward-thinking initiative like the "Food 2020" movement, which in Canada is based on grassroots actions and policy recommendations for addressing Canadian food and hunger issues that were identified during "Food 2002."

At FoodShare, more than 800 volunteers join in the work on "from field to table" issues, that is, the food system as a whole: growing, processing and distribution through to purchasing, cooking and consumption. Public education on food security is an important focus of FoodShare activities which range from workshops and networking events to school programs, community gardening and healthy-eating projects:

• Through 400 school programs, 75,000 students a day are fed and they are taught about the importance of affordable local food. The goal is to have a nutrition and cooking course included in high school curricula so no one graduates without knowing how to feed themselves.

• The Good Food Box program offers fresh fruit and vegetables (usually local produce) at cost to anyone who orders a box through the website. The boxes include nutrition and food preparation information and come in a variety of sizes and types.

FoodShare's perspective? "We believe that food is vital to the health of individuals and communities, and that access to good, healthy food is a basic human right. FoodShare promotes policies -- such as adequate social assistance rates, sustainable agriculture, universal funding of community-based programs and nutrition education -- that will make food a priority at all levels of society."

Not having access to healthy food can be a problem for a child raised on a diet of fast-food or on those who lack the physical or financial where-with-all to buy and prepare regular meals for themselves.

"It's less about 'me and them' and all about us," said Debbie Field, Executive Director of FoodShare, emphasizing consistent access to healthy food is not restricted to those living below the poverty line.

"You could have a woman who had a comfortable income all her life, was probably married and, at age 70 living by herself, is food insecure and hungry. When you get older it can be hard to find the strength and time to prepare food. Someone who baked could find that, with arthritis, it is hard."

Field referred to a FoodShare survey that found 56 percent of all retirees interviewed reported going without a meal for a few days. She emphasizes that this is a unique time in history since now as many people go to bed hungry as go to bed over-nourished and over-fed.

"A stock broker, bus driver or someone unemployed all want adequate food for themselves and their family," said Field, explaining why ensuring everyone can eat well also ensures safe communities. "Some think we can barricade ourselves by living in walled and gated communities, but as long as there is one unhappy person who can pick up a gun against us, 'I'm okay' is not enough. The only way to be safe is to live in a peaceful world and the only way to live in that community is to be sure everyone is safe. One of the reasons people love Foodshare is that everyone [here] is eating well."

FoodShare was founded in the early 90's in response to the emergence of food banks in Canada. Its Good Food Box program sells food at cost and brings in about a third of FoodShare's C$3.5 million budget, the balance of which is largely raised from donations, not provincial or federal government sources.

"Visionary private sector leaders can see that the health of their community is dependent on the health of its citizens," said Field, explaining how increased interest in healthy eating affects communities on many levels. "The best charity is charity very close to where you live -- someone who could use a little cash, help planting a garden ... ."

As you rally around the barbecue this summer, at home or at the cottage, take a moment to consider where your food comes from and what a secure supply of fresh, safe food means to you, your family and your future.