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.
Recommended Citation
Aust, Marilee Elizabeth, "Food Deserts: The Paradoxical Link Between Obesity and Poverty in West Denver's Barnum Park Neighborhood" (2014). University College: Healthcare Management Capstones. 24.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/ucol_hcl/24