Community-based approaches are increasingly being used to address food insecurity among migrant and refugee communities in high-income countries. However, evidence regarding the impacts, implementation, and scalability of these initiatives has not been comprehensively synthesised (1). This systematic review aims to provide this evidence. Seven databases (Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Global Health, Scopus, ProQuest, and SocINDEX) were searched from inception to April 2026. The search identified 5,045 records, of which 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were published between 2011 and 2025. They were predominantly conducted in the United States, Canada, and Australia, involving migrant and refugee populations from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261375113) and followed PRISMA guidelines. Guided by Community-based participatory research principles (2) and a social justice and equity lens (3), data are being extracted on study characteristics, community-led components and food security outcomes relevant to migrant populations. Data synthesis will occur to narratively summarise: (i) program impacts; (ii) initiative types; and (iii) factors influencing implementation and success. Data extraction and synthesis were ongoing at the time of abstract submission. Studies reviewed to date suggest that migrant communities in high-income countries have been involved in the following community-based food security initiatives: community gardens, urban agriculture programs, community-supported agriculture schemes, and culturally tailored food access initiatives. Evidence suggests benefits for migrant communities include improved access to healthy and culturally preferred foods, enhanced dietary quality, stronger social connections and community belonging, improved mental wellbeing, preservation of cultural food traditions, skills development, leadership opportunities, and increased community empowerment. Preliminary analysis indicates that culturally responsive design, strong community ownership, capacity building, and supportive partnerships with local organisations such as settlement and refugee-serving organisations, local food system partners, educational institutions and faith-based organisations and access to resources are important factors influencing successful implementation and sustainability. Our systematic review outlines how community-based food security initiatives can provide migrant communities with opportunities to participate in food systems initiatives that strengthen their local food networks, cultural connections and community leadership, especially compared to isolated food relief programs. As data extraction and synthesis are ongoing, these findings should be considered preliminary. This systematic review will provide much-needed evidence for policymakers and practitioners to scale up the implementation of migrant led food system initiatives that have the potential to reduce systemic inequalities in nutrition, health and social outcomes in high-income countries.
1. Nisbet C, Lestrat KE, & Vatanparast H. Food security interventions among refugees around the globe.
2. Wallerstein N, Duran B. Community-based participatory research contributions to intervention research: the intersection of science and practice to improve health equity.
3. Fraser N. Scales of Justice: Reimagining Political Space in a Globalising World.