Using a Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results Analysis to Explore How Ohio Federally Qualified Health Centers are Addressing Food Insecurity
Abstract
Introduction: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as the absence of consistent access to enough food for a healthy and active life. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are community-based health care facilities, often located in underresourced areas where food insecurity is of public health concern. The purpose of this study was to provide an opportunity for FQHC staff and patient board members to discuss how they can positively impact food insecurity.
Methods: An observational study using mixed-methods approaches was conducted from January through September 2023. A presentation of study results involving an online facilitated discussion was open to representatives of all 57 Ohio FQHCs via email recruitment. Participant feedback was collected using appreciative inquiry, specifically a strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results (SOAR) analysis.
Results: Fourteen FQHCs (approximately 25% of the total number of Ohio FQHCs) were represented, by one person each during the presentation and facilitated discussion. Best practices identified in this research study included having community health workers (CHWs) on staff to connect patients to resources; having dietitians on staff to provide nutrition counseling; operating patient centered medical homes (PCMHs); and using AmeriCorps volunteers to screen patients.
Conclusion: Federally qualified health centers focus on serving underserved and at-risk populations. Increasing services, specifically primary care services, are likely to decrease health care costs. Federally qualified health centers also help to provide patients with better access to health care and promote improved health care outcomes. Facilitated discussion participants were able to network via an online chat, which will allow for future collaboration and sharing of health center practices.
Keywords: Federally qualified health centers, Food insecurity, Social determinants of health, SOAR analysis, Observational study, Mixed-methods approach
How to Cite:
Freeman, K. D., Peters, K. & Vallangeon, D., (2026) “Using a Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results Analysis to Explore How Ohio Federally Qualified Health Centers are Addressing Food Insecurity”, Ohio Journal of Public Health 8(1), 1-6. doi: https://doi.org/10.18061/ojph.6404
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