Background: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and a key structural driver includes SIDS’ heavy reliance on imported food. Yet, our knowledge about food sources in SIDS is limited. Methods: We systematically searched 14 peer-reviewed databases and 17 grey literature repositories, identifying 56 articles and 96 documents concerning food sources in SIDS. Our study aimed to map these sources while considering broader societal, cultural, and environmental aspects. Results: We found high heterogeneity of food sources beyond store-bought foods, highlighting the complexity of food landscapes in this context. To explore these food sources and their interconnections, we developed a classification including Aid, Buy, Grow, Share, State and Wild food sources, and offered contextually-sensitive insights into their variety (types), extent (relevance), nature (characteristics) and changes over time. We developed an interactive open-access evidence map that outlined the identified interconnections between food sources following our proposed classification. There are numerous interrelations between food sources, showing that pathways from food sourcing to consumption can be unexpected and complex. Conclusions: In 2014, SIDS governments collectively committed to ending malnutrition by 2030. A deeper understanding of food sourcing is essential to achieve this goal.

Postharvest losses in Pacific Island Countries remain a significant challenge, affecting food security and farmers’ livelihoods. Limited research exists on horticultural handling practices in the region, particularly on taro corm bruising. This study characterised defects in taro corms caused by poor physical handling using a simulated laboratory drop test with two drop heights (1 m and 2 m), two drop frequencies (1 and 4 drops), and three storage durations (3, 5, and 7 days). It examined the combined effects of the drop test on external bruising, internal bruise depth, bruise severity scores, and visible decay incidence. Data were collected using the laboratory drop test, samples of farmer-handled taro, and farmer interviews. The results showed that the increased drop height and repeated impacts significantly increased severity, depth, and length over time. Corms subjected to the higher drop height (2 m) exhibited greater tissue breakdown; by day 7, corms dropped from 2 m had approximately 47% greater bruise depth than those dropped from 1 m. Statistical analysis confirmed that the drop height, the storage duration, and the drop frequency were key determinants of postharvest deterioration (p < 0.05). Mechanical stress also weakened corm integrity, increasing susceptibility to infection and decay. These findings underscore the need for improved postharvest handling practices, such as minimising free-fall distances, using padded storage and adopting better sorting methods to reduce mechanical injury. Enhancing these practices could substantially reduce food loss, extend taro shelf life and improve marketability, thereby supporting more resilient and sustainable food systems and contributing to food security and economic stability for taro farmers in the Pacific.