Food Deserts: The Paradoxical Link Between Obesity and Poverty in West Denver\u27s Barnum Park Neighborhood

Urban food deserts exist in several Denver neighborhoods, contributing to increased obesity rates among poor and vulnerable citizens. The author\u27s 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\u27s requirements. These findings can help the neighborhood petition the USDA to reconsider this neighborhood\u27s food desert status. In fact, this author\u27s research proves that a food desert exists in the Barnum neighborhood, and that the local ethnic grocer does not satisfy the community\u27s affordable, healthy food needs