Urban food deserts: An exploration of northern neighborhoods in Denver

Currently food deserts are a hot topic for research in the United States. Food deserts create numerous problems for the local population because of the many implications that arise from not having access to healthy foods, such as poor diets and health. For the purposes of this study, I will define a "food desert" as an urban area with a population that does not have access to healthy food. This study is distinguished from previous work because it will employ both qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative methods will be measured through map analysis methods (geocoding, network analysis and analyzing census data) using ArcGIS. Qualitative methods will include taking public transportation within a food desert to get a sense of the challenges associated with obtaining healthy foods within a food desert. The goal of this study is to explore methods for locating food deserts in Denver County and to examine the affected populations. This study focuses on physical barriers to purchasing foods at grocery stores. An area that stands out is the Northern region of Denver County, particularly the following neighborhoods: Clayton, Cole, Elyria Swansea, Five Points, Globeville, North Park Hill, Northeast Park Hill, Skyland and Whittier. After looking at the results it seems evident, food deserts within Denver only occur where populations' of low-income and minorities reside. These neighborhoods need help in better accessing healthy foods. This could be done in multiple ways. Loans and grants could be issued/created to promote convenience markets to carry affordable, fresh produce, along with many other options.