Food security refers to the availability of food and one’s access to it. We know from news reports and, in some cases, from firsthand experience, the complex political, environmental, and economic factors that are currently playing havoc with food security on a global scale. This touches us all. And since food is among our most basic needs, it’s not exactly something we can ignore or put off until later.

Nonetheless, in the typical North American city, or pretty much any city in the western world, it’s easy to put it out of your mind, especially when there is a grocery store and/or restaurant on almost every corner.

The holidays are a time of joy, family and fun. On the flip side, they can be expensive, a bit wasteful and make us keenly aware that not everyone plays on the same socio-economic field.

So, how can we be charitable, reduce waste and save money at this hectic time of year? Easy - Barter!

Think it’s hard to barter? It’s not at all. The best way to get your feet wet in the bartering movement is to attend a swap meet.

“Try not to determine your self-worth by the outcome or success you have in reaching your goals. Instead, measure the success of your life by how well your actions reflect the intentions that are formed by your core values.”

—Phillip Moffit, Buddhist teacher and author

Three years ago, I began working on solving a problem that is as complex as they come: saving the fish. If you’re not familiar with the problem of global overfishing, the stats are stark.

Feeding the hungry, tacking the food crisis, is one of the world’s most glaring challenges. It seems everywhere you look food products are veering precariously off the affordability and availability scales, with malnutrition, instability, food riots and other related effects the results. Endless Appetites is an intricate and richly woven exploration into the multi-faceted issue of food security from award winning commodities reporter Alan Bjerga.