Zubaidah Supermarket Opens on Buffalo's East Side

The new Zubaidah Supermarket at 171 Walden Avenue is an expansion of a previous, smaller store that was located at 59 Walden Avenue. The project more than doubles the size of the original market, growing from 2,448 to 5,407 square feet. This expansion allows for a greater variety of products, including fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and other ethnic foods. The market is owned by Md T. Gazi and specializes in Halal products, which are certified by Halal Monitoring Services. It offers a range of meats such as chicken, lamb, goat, veal, and beef, catering to the local community's needs. The business is part of Zubaidah Global, which also provides a variety of other services to the community. The opening of a larger supermarket is particularly significant for Buffalo's East Side, an area that has been described as a "food desert" or an example of "food apartheid." This term refers to the systemic lack of access to affordable and nutritious food, which disproportionately affects Black residents. The issue of limited grocery access on the East Side gained national attention following a mass shooting at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue. This tragic event highlighted the crucial role the store played in the community and the severe impact of its temporary closure. Zubaidah Supermarket's expansion provides another much-needed option for fresh groceries in the area.