With all of the natural and man-made disasters, our dependence on imports and multinational corporations for food has some serious downsides.  Not only is it more expensive, it’s bad for local and regional economies, the environment and our health.

Published in April, the Prevention Institute’s report, Recipes for Change, offers program and policy recommendations to make healthy food more accessible for all communities.

Through a combination of research and advocacy, politics and practice, Food First's Building Local Agrifood Systems program works to rebuild local food systems. Through five active projects they take on the issue from all sides. Here's a chance to learn more:

The Oakland Food Policy Council, whose mission is to promote a sustainable and equitable food system, met Thursday evening at City Hall in Oakland, Calif., to discuss its 2010 priorities.