One third of the world´s land surface (or half of all cultivable land) is currently used for cultivation of crops or raising of livestock. The global population is expected to increase to about 10 billion in 2050 which entails a need for increased food production while the land that can be sustainably used for food production remains constant. The world´s agroecosystems are not only limited in terms of area but are also losing their capacity to produce safe and reliable yields due to loss of topsoil, soil pollution, and extreme weather events due to climate change. This study assesses the potential to establish food production systems on marginal and degraded land with the purpose of avoiding new land clearings resulting from agricultural sprawl. A scoping review of the risks and opportunities associated with different approaches to exploit marginal land for food production was conducted and some illustrative examples were highlighted. The study suggests that marginal land, degraded by desertification, urban development and even soil pollution can contribute substantially to food security and thus decrease the need for further expansion of the agricultural frontier. Prominent challenges associated with such practises include the risk that pollutants enter the food chain. Several strategies to manage or avoid such risks were identified. Furthermore, well-designed restoration projects of degraded lands can provide ecosystem services such as soil remediation, carbon sequestration, and increased biodiversity, at the same time as food is safely produced. In order to sustainably produce more food on a limited land area with decreasing quality, innovative approaches such as the inclusion of marginal lands of little industrial or agricultural value are needed. Private gardens also occupy a large part of many cities making them a significant contributor to the food security in urban areas. This study conclude that the use of marginal and degraded land is a promising option to address the need to feed a growing population on limited land resources without interfering with areas worthy of protection due to ecological or cultural values.