The traditional ecological knowledge of wild foods is vital for improving South Pacific island nations’ food security and sustainability. This knowledge holds the insight and practices related to the use of wild food plants and Indigenous food systems, which have been an integral part of these communities’ resilience and nutritional well-being for centuries. TEK has assisted not only in securing food security but also in promoting biodiversity, sustainable land management and the preservation of traditional diets. The erosion of TEK due to globalisation and modernisation poses a significant threat to preserving traditional food systems. This loss could lead to decreased biodiversity and increased vulnerability to food insecurity in South Pacific island nations. We can maintain the region’s sustainability and food and economic security by fostering a relationship between TEK and modern scientific knowledge.