Programs Addressing Food Security for First Nations Peoples: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Indigenous Studies
• Food Systems

Background:

• Food security is a fundamental right essential for health and well-being.
• First Nations peoples globally face systemic disadvantages stemming from colonization.
• Resilience and self-determination efforts persist among First Nations communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To scope existing literature on food security programs for First Nations peoples in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada, and the USA.
• To identify characteristics of effective food security interventions for Indigenous populations.
• To inform future strategies for sustainable food security.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of three databases and grey literature from 2010 onwards.
• Screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal conducted by two independent reviewers.
• Inclusion of nine food security programs (five from the USA, four from Canada).

Main Results:

• No programs from Australia or Aotearoa/New Zealand met inclusion criteria.
• Effective programs were participatory, community-governed, and integrated cultural food systems.
• Successful interventions included educational components and inter-agency collaborations.

Conclusions:

• Short-term emergency food relief is necessary but insufficient.
• Sustainable food security requires long-term systemic and policy changes.
• Co-designed research and evaluation are foundational for effective, long-term solutions.