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Background The global food insecurity reinforces the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on human health and mortality. Although literature remained sparse, reports indicated that food insecurity is disproportionately high among African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) population since the outset of COVID-19. Hence, we assessed the food insecurity conditions of ACB populations globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Comprehensive searches in CINAHL, Medline (Ovid), PubMed (Medline), Food Science and Technology Abstracts, SCOPUS, EMBASE, AMED, CAB Abstracts, Cochrane Library (OVID), and PsycINFO were carried out. Title/abstract and full-text screening, quality appraisal (modified JBI QARI), and data extraction were carried out by double reviewers. Results The initial search yielded 354 articles. After removal of duplicates and irrelevant articles, a full-text review and critical appraisal, 9 papers were included in the study. After data extraction and synthesis, six major themes emerged from the analysis: increased food insecurity, adverse health outcomes of food insecurity, exacerbation of existing disparities, systemic inequities and adverse policies, racism, and sociocultural response and solutions. Conclusion/implications The study showed that COVID-19 had exacerbated food insecurity and other health disparities within racialized populations including ACB people, due to systemic anti-Black racism; inadequate representation in decision-making; and issues of cultural appropriateness and competency of health services. While sociocultural response by ACB people through the expansion of their social capital is imperative, specific policies easing access to food, medicine, and shelter for racialized communities will ensure equity while reducing global food insecurity and health crises during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40615-021-00973-1.

Despite the universal healthcare system in Canada, Canadians of African Descent (CAD) still face numerous problems that place them at higher risk to pandemics such as COVID-19. From the struggles of working as frontline workers, to challenges compounded by pre-existing chronic medical conditions such as Diabetes, CAD may face unique issues, further weighing on their existing and potential health outcomes. This situation calls for closer attention to the specific needs of CAD who may be at greater risk of late diagnosis and delayed treatment for COVID-19. Historically, marginalized communities such as CAD must be included in healthcare considerations and planning, so as to avoid further leaving them behind during and after the storm. Past evidence has shown that structural inequities shape who is affected by disease and its economic fallout. Therefore, the unique needs of CAD must be considered in healthcare planning with the ongoing COVID-19 response. Keywords: pandemic, marginalized, healthcare, COVID-19, Canadians of African Descent

BACKGROUND: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented challenge for public and private life, and healthcare systems worldwide. African, Caribbean, and Black communities (ACB) represent some of the most vulnerable populations in terms of their susceptibility to health hazards, difficulty receiving adequate health care and relatively lower chances of recovery. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study is to improve the health system’s response during and after the COVID-19 pandemic by developing evidence-based models to inform policy and collaborative best practices to mitigate its spread and ameliorate related health consequences in vulnerable communities. METHODS: This is a mixed-method, multisite study based in Ottawa and Toronto that will involve in-depth qualitative interviews and surveys using a structured questionnaire. Data will be analyzed using NVivo for qualitative interviews, Stata 16 and IBM SPSS version 26 for statistical analyses. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study gained from highly professional health practitioners will produce strong evidence on current gaps in knowledge and practice in the healthcare system’s capacity to meet the health needs of ACB population. The distinct insights and perspectives will be disseminated with policymakers and researchers at all levels which will facilitate strategic policy making with the goal of addressing the unique challenges for health