Adoption and Acceptability of a Fruit and Vegetable Subsidy in Low-Income Households in Urban Chile: The Bolsillo Saludable Pilot Feasibility Study.

Authors

Isabel Pemjean, Daniela Montes de Oca, Jonathan Lara-Arévalo, Shu Wen Ng, Lindsey Smith Taillie, Camila Corvalán

Published in

Current developments in nutrition. Volume 10. Issue 7. Pages 109394. Epub Jun 13, 2026.

Abstract

Low-quality diets disproportionally affect low-income populations, limiting access to healthy foods.
This feasibility study evaluated the adoption and acceptability of Bolsillo Saludable (BS), a smartphone app-based subsidy designed to incentivize fruit and vegetable (FV) purchases at Ferias Libres (open markets) in Chile.
In an 8-wk pilot study, 30 low-income families received monthly benefits to purchase FV at a Feria Libre in Santiago, with outcomes assessed using a multimethod approach. Qualitative data from focus groups with beneficiaries (n = 15) and vendors (n = 6) explored acceptability and appropriateness. Quantitative data from the subsidy platform were used to assess adoption. Secondary outcomes (FV expenditure, purchases, dietary diversity) were assessed through app data records and pre-post surveys. Thematic and pre-post analyses were conducted.
The study demonstrated high adoption and acceptability of the program. All beneficiaries utilized their benefits, with at least 1 use each month. Qualitative results showed high satisfaction among beneficiaries and vendors, who appreciated the program's focus on healthy food and the ease of the payment system. Participants perceived the restriction to FV and delivery through Ferias Libres as consistent with their purchasing practices, suggesting high appropriateness of the intervention. Over half of beneficiaries perceived positive changes in their family diet, including increased FV consumption and vendors noted increased sales of a wider FV variety. Quantitative results suggested a 38% increase in mean FV expenditure, with improvements in dietary diversity indicators. However, qualitative results identified challenges related to variety of products offered, participating vendors, and invoicing difficulties.
This feasibility pilot demonstrated high adoption, acceptability, and appropriateness of the BS program with preliminary evidence of positive dietary changes among vulnerable populations. Addressing operational challenges, particularly limited vendor participation and invoicing barriers will be essential for scale-up. These findings provide key insights for scaling this intervention in Chile and adapting similar programs across similar settings.This trial was registered at University of Chile Protocol Record 5128637 as NCT06865157; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06865157.

PMID:
42437197
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Jul 2026.

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