Mapping Stakeholder Networks for Comprehensive Food and Nutrition Security Interventions: A Multilevel Network Analysis Approach

About This Grant

Food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) is a complex public health challenge shaped by the food environment, community factors, economic conditions, and individual behavior. In Los Angeles County, 30% of households report experiencing FNI. FNI is associated with increased risk of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and other cardiometabolic conditions. Despite its multifactorial nature, interventions often focus on individual-level factors while overlooking interactions across the broader food system network. To address FNI effectively, a multilevel, system-level approach is needed that supports coordinated stakeholder action. This study aims to address key gaps in understanding stakeholder networks and their role in addressing FNI. Using a systems modeling framework grounded in The Community Coalition Action Theory and The Health Disparities Framework, the study will examine the multilevel networks of stakeholders working on FNI in Los Angeles County, focusing on collaborative activities. By employing multilevel social network analysis, this research will address two specific aims: i) identify characteristics of stakeholder collaboration networks within the Los Angeles County food system, examining organizational roles, coordination patterns, and network relationships to better understand the context of FNI interventions; and ii) determine whether network structures predict stakeholder actions during initiative implementation, exploring how collaboration patterns and organizational structure influence implementation efforts intended to reduce FNI, a key contributor to cardiometabolic diseases. The study will engage 50 stakeholders from the L.A. CFER stakeholder coalition addressing FNI to participate in multilevel network surveys and qualitative interviews (n=30). It will also refine an existing systems map developed through the NSF-funded Smart and Connected Community Food System Project, incorporating information on current and planned interventions. This approach will examine how stakeholders work collectively within the network (level one) to address FNI-related factors (level two). By identifying key stakeholders, collaboration patterns, and implementation facilitators, this study will generate practical tools and strategies for strengthening stakeholder coordination and supporting coordinated interventions. These findings will contribute to more effective efforts to reduce diet-related disease burden. The award of this fellowship will allow Ms. Wasim to pursue advanced training in multilevel network analysis and systems modeling, preparing her to lead innovative network-informed approaches to address FNI. This work supports NIMHD priorities related to improving public health through evidence-based and actionable research solutions.