How do immigrant business-owners contribute to the food landscape in cities? An article by University at Pennsylvania doctoral student Maryam Khojasteh tackles this important question. Immigrant-run ethnic food retail stores, which are often located in urban neighborhoods, are reported to provide healthy foods. Yet, there is little research on how these stores manage to operate successfully in low-resource environments. Based on a qualitative pilot case study of Buffalo, New York, the article describes the challenges immigrant entrepreneurs overcome to contribute to a healthy food environment. Factors for success include store owners’ membership in ethnic networks, prior business experience, and understanding of niche market opportunities. This article concludes with policy suggestions for local governments. 

Read the article here.