Food Deserts and Market Integration: Evidence from “Imperfect but Good" Produce Initiative in Chile

On my recent visit to Chile, I delved into a compelling initiative led by Walmart, "Imperfect but Good," which aims to address food waste while making nutritious fruits and vegetables more affordable. The premise of the initiative is simple yet powerful: selling produce that doesn't meet traditional standards of color or shape at a reduced price, thereby encouraging both sustainability and accessibility. My exploration took me into supermarkets across the country, where I observed firsthand how this initiative was being received by the public, particularly in low-income communities, and how it was reshaping the food supply chain.