Ecosystem services of urban food forests and their contributions to health and sustainability of North American cities: a narrative review

This narrative review synthesizes the ecosystem services of urban food forests and their contributions to urban health and food sustainability in North American cities. The study selection and analysis processes were inspired by scoping review methodologies, with predefined inclusion criteria for empirical peer-reviewed studies on urban food forests in Canada and the United States. This review is based on 13 studies published between 2018 and 2023, using case studies, policy analyses and both quantitative and qualitative methods. The review identifies key ecosystem services of urban food forests - sustainable food production, climate regulation, water management, carbon sequestration and air quality improvement - which enhance environmental health. Urban food forests also promote food security, biodiversity, and provide recreational and educational spaces that foster community engagement, resilience and social equity. However, their implementation faces challenges, including public space governance, maintenance costs, regulatory barriers and ecological risks such as invasive species. The review highlights the importance of governance approaches that integrate ecological integrity, public health and community needs, alongside adaptive policies to support their development. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies that evaluate long-term impacts and develop evidence-based practices for sustainable and equitable implementation of urban food forests.