Emele Tivitivi knows that a good shopping trip starts with knowing what the family needs and how much can be spent.
The Nadawa resident and Max-Value Supermarket floor supervisor shops about three times a week, usually in the afternoon after work.
Originally from Dravuni, Ono, Kadavu, Ms Tivitivi said her shopping decisions were largely guided by the price of items and what she could afford.
“My decision to buy a particular product is usually influenced by the price of the product and my budget,” she said.
Afternoons are her preferred shopping time because that is when she finishes work and can buy what is needed for dinner.
“I always shop in the afternoon when I knock off from work, because I need to shop for our dinner, especially when there’s hardly any food at home for the family to cook.”
Her household includes her two sons, while her husband is currently in Nuku, Moala, Lau. One of her sons is married and has a child.
As the main shopper at home, Ms Tivitivi decides what the household buys.
Chicken is one item she regularly makes sure is on the shopping list.
“I must buy chicken, because at home we don’t have a fridge. Twice a week I buy chicken for dinner.”
Not having a fridge means buying in smaller quantities and only when food is needed.
Ms Tivitivi said this has also become a practical way of saving money.
“I don’t buy too much food that could spoil. I just buy fresh small quantities when we need it at home.”
Her shopping changes when she sends supplies to her husband, who runs a canteen in their village.
Every two weeks, she buys goods in bulk to send to him.
At home, she works from a shopping list and usually spends $70 on basic food items after receiving her wages on Wednesdays.
Flour, sugar, cooking oil, meat and other household necessities are among her regular purchases.
She also checks expiry dates and looks at specials, although discounts do not usually determine her choices.
With food prices rising, Ms Tivitivi said shoppers needed to think carefully before spending.
“Meat is very expensive now. It’s good to buy and eat vegetables because shopping nowadays is very hard and spending $100 plus is just too much.”
For her, careful shopping comes down to one simple rule, buy what the family needs and make thoughtful choices when buying.
