FOR primary school teacher Lusina Disivo, shopping for her family is more than just filling a trolley. It is about careful planning, smart budgeting, and ensuring her children have access to healthy and nutritious food.
The 34-year-old teacher at Ratu Sauvoli Memorial School in Noco, Rewa, says finding the right supermarket has made a big difference in managing her family’s household expenses.
As a regular customer at Pac N Save Nausori, Lusina believes the supermarket offers the consistency, affordability, and variety is what families need in today’s challenging economic climate.
“When it comes to shopping for my family, Pac N Save never lets me down,” she said.
“I’ve been shopping here for quite some time, and what I appreciate most is that the prices are always reasonable and consistent.
“In some supermarkets, prices can fluctuate a lot, but here, I know what to expect. They also have great weekly specials that help families save money.”
Married to a husband originally from Vanuadina, Tailevu, Lusina is the proud mother of four children.
Like many working parents, she balances a busy professional life with the responsibilities of raising a family.
“My shopping budget is usually around $390 every fortnight,” she explained.
“Shopping for a family requires planning. You need to take your time, compare prices, and make the best choices because life is becoming more expensive every day.
As an educator, Lusina also believes healthy eating habits should begin at home.
“As a schoolteacher, it’s important for me to teach my children the value of healthy eating,” she said.
“When I come to Pac N Save, I buy our basic groceries such as rice, flour, cooking essentials, and meat for family meals, especially our Sunday lunches.
While the supermarket provides most of her household necessities, Lusina also supports local vendors by buying fresh produce from the market.
“The fresh vegetables and greens for my family usually come from my garden and the market,” she said.
“I like to buy locally grown produce whenever possible because it’s fresh and affordable.”
Her family has also embraced backyard gardening, which helps reduce grocery costs while providing fresh food at home.
“We are fortunate to have a spacious backyard,” Lusina shared.
“My husband takes care of planting cassava and dalo, while we also grow cabbages, chilies, and other vegetables. Gardening helps us save money and gives us fresh food straight from our garden.
Shopping with four children can often be a challenge, but Lusina has found a practical solution.
“I usually bring my children with me when I go shopping,” she said with a smile. “To make things easier, I sometimes take them to DMC for a meal while I do the grocery shopping. It allows me to take my time, compare prices, and choose the best products without rushing.”
She admits that shopping with children can quickly increase expenses.
“As parents, we all know that when children come shopping, they often want extra treats and toys,” she laughed. “That’s why it’s important to find ways to keep them occupied while staying within your budget.”
With the rising cost of living affecting families across the country, Lusina believes budgeting and smart shopping have become essential life skills.
“We all know life is getting harder day by day,” she said. “Saving money, planning ahead, and sticking to a budget are very important, especially when you have a family to look after.”
Her advice to fellow parents is simple.
“If you’re looking for value, variety, and good prices, Pac N Save is the place to shop.
“You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll be able to provide the very best for your family.”
