“You Sort of Fit Together Like a Puzzle”: Across-Agency Partnership Attributes for Combating Food Insecurity in San Diego County

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Food insecurity (FI), a social determinant of health, disproportionally affects U.S. racial/ethnic minority households. Reducing FI can lower health inequities, especially in San Diego County, CA where 42% of Hispanic/Latinx households experience FI. Capacity-oriented approaches may reduce FI and improve diet and health in low-resource settings, but local data are needed to develop these approaches. The overarching goal of this study was to identify multi-level sources of existing capital (assets) in San Diego County to inform an integrated approach to reducing FI. Methods Framed by the Socioecological Model, we conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with key informants at stakeholder agencies (n = 10) providing food and nutrition services to low-income households across San Diego County. Data collection is ongoing. Interview audio recordings were transcribed, checked, and discussed among the team (primary investigator and student researchers). The student researchers iteratively coded transcripts. The team discussed coding in biweekly meetings. As part of the analytical process, the team referenced the literature to identify theories or frameworks that helped explain what they were observing. Analyses were conducted in NVivo 12. Results Preliminary findings demonstrated that across-agency partnerships may be influential sources of existing capital for addressing FI. The Parent and Harvey model was identified as a framework to better understand agency partnerships, as it outlined partnership attributes in the context of partnership outputs. In San Diego County, across-agency partnership attributes that appeared to make partnerships successful included communication (e.g., regular communication, information sharing), coordination (e.g., referrals), trust, and mutuality (e.g., common vision/mission). For example, partnerships enabled a centralized referral process for clients needing access to a variety of services across multiple agencies. Conclusions In San Diego County, across-agency partnerships may be uniquely influential to addressing FI. Future research should consider how to continue to leverage these partnership capacities to reduce FI. Funding Sources NIH-NHLBI; SDSU ENS Thom Mackenzie Student Research Grant; SDSU Student Undergraduate Research Program.