The government and the resource owners should work together to utilise the resources available to produce more food for our people.
Salote Malani, 43, of Toorak, a former leader of a private school in Tamavua says it is time to act as low food production and climate change is affecting the availability of fresh food such as root crops, vegetables and fruits in our local markets.
This, she said has also caused a spike in the prices of local produce.
“I would love to see more local food on the shelves instead of imported ones, but it seems that we are catering for the people who have migrated or for the foreign markets rather than availing the best locally grown food for our people,” Ms Malani said.
High migration is leading to a higher demand for local food in overseas markets and Ms Malani said we should now give priority to locals too.
Ms Malani, who is an aspiring politician, said she has a lot of plans to change the way our food industry works.
“Whatever we feed your children now is going to enhance their growth and these same children will join the workforce in the future.
“If they are unhealthy or sickly it is going to affect the entire nation as production of goods and services will be affected,” she said.
According to her the prices of imported fruits are sometimes less expensive than the seasonal local fruits.
“I urge the Government to work with the resource owners in producing more local food as because of low supply the prices are high, and the people are resorting to cheap imported foods.
“I wish fruits and vegetables are given the same kind of attention that kava gets, that is to produce and promote both equally.
“When talking about healthy eating one should not forget the availability of clean water for every citizen as, we often face a lot of disruption in clean water supply.”
As a mother of five growing children, she spends around $100 on her weekly groceries at 786 Supermarket in Toorak.
“This is the most convenient supermarket for me as I live a few minutes away and when I need something urgently this is also my go to store.”
Talking about her life Ms Malani said she has seen some rough days after she resigned from the school when she made some unwise investment decision which landed her on the streets.
“This vulnerable phase in my life taught me a lot of lessons including respecting the people who go through hard times.
“We should not be critical and judgmental towards one another as no one knows what life will bring to our path.”
Ms Malani is adamant to make positive changes in the lives of people around her as this is her childhood passion.
“I would love to serve the people and use my experiences in life to help others.” She believes her own life lessons can direct someone to improve their life in some way.
