State Spotlight: Key Takeaways on Food Security from Colorado and Ohio

In July 2023, the School-Based Health Alliance (SBHA) and No Kid Hungry (NKH) launched a learning network of two State Affiliates—the Ohio School-Based Health Alliance and Youth Healthcare Alliance (YHA) of Colorado—to support them in creating food access learning networks in their states, which launched in Fall 2023. The Ohio SBHA selected 12 school-based health centers (SBHCs) and YHA selected 10 SBHCs. SBHA and NKH support their efforts to generate more impact at the state and local levels. These state affiliates will reflect and share their experiences in building partnerships and engaging their communities, youth, and school-based health center sites in strategies to address barriers to food security. The presentation will also discuss capturing impact through data collection, opportunities for sustainability, and incorporating the youth voice in community projects. By sharing these state-specific insights, food insecurity initiatives within school-based health centers in Ohio and Colorado can grow and expand.