Food Deserts: The Paradoxical Link Between Obesity and Poverty in West Denver's Barnum Park Neighborhood

Date of Award

3-17-2014

Document Type

Undergraduate Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Professional Studies

Organizational Unit

University College, Healthcare Management

Disciplines

Healthcare Leadership

First Advisor

Maria Creavin

Keywords

Food desert, Obesity, Poverty, Food insecurity, Denver, Health coaching, Hispanic, Low income, Access

Abstract

Urban food deserts exist in several Denver neighborhoods, contributing to increased obesity rates among poor and vulnerable citizens. The author's investigation included an analysis of racial, socioeconomic, and age compositions of two west Denver neighborhoods (Barnum and West Highland) to support the hypothesis that Barnum should be reclassified as a food desert. Barnum meets both low-access and low-income qualifications, as well as low-vehicle access, all of which are within the USDA's requirements. These findings can help the neighborhood petition the USDA to reconsider this neighborhood's food desert status. In fact, this author's research proves that a food desert exists in the Barnum neighborhood, and that the local ethnic grocer does not satisfy the community's affordable, healthy food needs.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

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