Ratu Manasa Lavanua believes shoppers should always be thoughtful about what they are taking home to their families.
He emphasised the importance of paying attention to the freshness and quality of groceries, as well as being mindful of expiry dates.
“It is important to be considerate of what you’re taking home for your family,” he said.
Manasa highlights that shopping should not be done in a rush.
He lives with his wife in his village at Wainimakutu in Namosi, and shops every fortnight at Rajendras Supermarket in Suva.
He usually spends around $100, which he says is enough to cover two weeks’ worth of groceries for the two of them.
“We don’t live with anyone else, so the $100 budget caters well for our needs,” he explained.
Manasa praised Rajendras Supermarket for its affordable prices and comfortable shopping environment.
He said Rajendras offers affordable prices and also a very spacious and clean environment.
From his experience, these factors make shopping less stressful and more convenient.
He shared that one major advantage for him was the location of the supermarket, as it aligned well with his travel schedule.
“It is convenient to shop at Rajendras because I travel to Suva by carrier that parks outside Rajendras carpark,” he shared.
This makes it easier for him to carry his groceries and load them directly into the carrier after shopping.
Manasa said when he comes for grocery shopping, he usually begins his journey to Suva as early as 6am and returns around 1pm.
When it comes to empahsising healthy living at home, Manasa said he prefers to get fresh produce like vegetables and root crops from his own plantation in the village.
He said this ensures that they have access to healthy and chemical-free produce.
He warns shoppers of the risk of careless shopping.
“Shoppers must always look for freshness in every item they buy and also be cautious of the expiry dates,” he said.
He also added that many people tend to shop in a hurry, often overlooking important details.
“A lot of shoppers tend to buy in a rush, and that should stop, because we are what we eat,” he said.
Manasa said careful and informed shopping was a way of showing love and responsibility to one’s family.
He said by sticking to a budget, choosing clean and affordable stores, and paying attention to the quality of products, he ensures that his household is well cared for.
“Sticking to a budget must be prioritised to avoid unnecessary buying and over spending.”
“It is important to take your time, choose wisely, and always think about your loved ones when filling your trolley,” he said.
