Healthy Food Subsidy Project in Chile

Feasibility Study Objective: The objective of this feasibility study is to develop and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a healthy food subsidy program within the Chilean context. The program, called Healthy Wallet, is a smartphone app-based initiative aimed at incentivizing low-income families to purchase fruits and vegetables at open markets. The findings from this study are intended to inform and potentially accelerate the implementation of similar policies in other countries. Methods: This study assessed the feasibility of implementing the Healthy Wallet subsidy program, designed to promote healthy eating habits among low-income families. The program incentivized the purchase of fruits and vegetables at local ferias (open markets) and was delivered through a smartphone application. The research adopted a community-based approach, leveraging existing social support systems to identify eligible beneficiaries and streamline the distribution of benefits. Open markets served as redemption sites for the subsidies. The study engaged 30 families and 8 vendors in an 8-week pilot program conducted from June to August 2024. Data collection included pre- and post-implementation surveys, as well as focus group discussions: three with participating families and one with vendors. These methods aimed to evaluate the app's effectiveness, user experience, and overall feasibility of the program. Insights from the study will guide recommendations for scaling the initiative to a national level and beyond.