Investigating the role of ethnic grocers in health and healthy eating among Chinese and South Asian immigrants in the Toronto CMA

This paper, based on an online survey of 600 immigrants, investigates whether shopping at ethnic grocery retailers and the level of access to these stores are related to healthy eating and associated health outcomes among Chinese and South Asian immigrants in the Toronto census metropolitan area. Using a combination of chi-squared analysis and logistic regression, this study finds that access to and the frequency of shopping at ethnic grocers are not significant factors explaining fruit, vegetable, and whole grain consumption or obesity levels among Chinese and South Asian immigrants. However, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of individuals—specifically age, gender, ethnicity, and whether one can afford healthy food options—are significantly related to healthy eating and obesity. Further research is needed to understand the role of ethnic grocery retailers in other aspects of immigrant well-being, including social and mental health, community life, and affirming one’s cultural identity.