AS a carer, Leba Matakibau said it was her priority to ensure healthy meals are prepared within the home 24/7.
Leba lives in Kinoya with a family friend that she looks after.
Every week, she ensures their kitchen top is well stocked with fresh vegetables and food ingredients that will last them until the next shopping trip.
She manages both her household and a small canteen fat home, and prefers to shop at supermarkets offering ongoing specials to help reduce her weekly expenses.
Leba finds that shopping smart plays an important role in staying within their budget, especially with the high cost of living.
One of her preferred shopping places is Max-Val-U Supermart in Valelevu, which is convenient for her since she frequently passes by after picking up medications from the Valelevu Health Centre.
“This regular route makes it easier for me to manage both health-related errands and grocery shopping in one trip,” she said.
Apart from Max-Val-U Supermart, Leba also enjoys shopping at Extra in Laucala Beach, as they also have a variety of grocery items and products.
She spend about $400 on grocery items in a week.
“This amount covers the needs in my household as well as the supplies needed to run our home-based canteen.
Instead of doing one big grocery run, she typically buys items on a daily basis, which accumulates to the weekly expenses.
Leba shared that managing her shopping this way has helped her keep organised – maintaining fresh supplies for both her canteen and home kitchen.
“I prefer doing my main market shopping on Saturdays, making it part of my weekly routine.”
“During these trips, I buy a variety of vegetables, such as tubua, Chinese cabbage, carrots, and other leafy greens that are essential for preparing healthy meals.”
Leba said by combining careful planning with regular shopping, she effectively balances convenience, freshness, and cost-efficiency in her household and canteen.
“Preparing healthy meals at home is always my first priority as the person I’m caring for needs a suitable balanced meal everyday.”
“I urge shoppers to be mindful of what they bring home for their family meals. It is important to read the labels to know what is in the product you’re buying.”
Leba shared that having a plantation beside their home was an added advantage because it allowed them to grow fresh leafy vegetables for daily meals.
She said this not only supports a healthier diet but also saves time and money by reducing the need for frequent trips to the market.
