Tufts University's call to support Chinatown's culinary scene has entered its fourth year with the return of the Cherish Chinatown Restaurant Challenge. Initiated as a response to financial strains and rising anti-Asian sentiments, the annual event has become a tradition for Tufts students, faculty, and staff, rallying them to dine at or order from local Chinatown eateries throughout November.
The effort took root in the spring of 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic's peak, when sales in Chinatown establishments plummeted. Spearheaded by students from Tuft's Dental and Medical schools, the initiative not only aimed to boost business but also to heighten recognition of the area's cultural and historical richness. For context, in 2023, the challenge boasted 500 purchases from 84 diverse restaurants and cafes, signaling a growing participation from the university community, according to a release on Boston.gov.
It spells out the importance of local patronage, enhanced language resources, and vocal opposition to discrimination, for the continual prosperity of immigrant-led businesses. “By supporting these restaurants—whether through shopping locally, advocating for more language resources, or speaking out against racism and discrimination—we contribute to the vitality of Chinatown and its communities," the statement obtained by Boston.gov.
