IN today’s economic climate, where the cost of living continues to rise and every dollar matters, many Fijian families are finding creative ways to stretch their household budgets without compromising on nutrition.
For 44-year-old Tamara Thomas Turagasau, smart shopping is not just about finding the lowest prices, it’s about making informed choices that keep her family healthy while ensuring every shopping trip delivers real value.
Originally from Tubou, Lakeba, Lau and with maternal links to Rotuma, Tamara now calls Tacirua home.
Together with her husband and their two growing sons, she has developed a practical shopping routine that helps her family navigate rising food and fuel costs while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
For Tamara, the family’s grocery journey almost always begins at Extra Supermarket, Laucala Beach, a store she has come to trust for its combination of affordability, convenience and quality.
“Most of our weekly shopping is done at Extra Supermarket Laucala Beach,” she says.
“The prices are reasonable compared to some supermarkets that are supposed to be more budget friendly.”
Every fortnight, Tamara carefully plans her grocery budget, setting aside between $250 and $300 for household essentials.
Rather than shopping on impulse, she enters the supermarket with a clear plan focused on feeding her family nutritious meals.
The shopping trolley is first filled with everyday necessities such as rice, sugar and bread before moving on to fresh produce and protein.
“Because we have growing children, we always make sure there are plenty of fruits and vegetables, together with fish and chicken.
For Tamara, healthy eating is an investment in her family’s future. She believes nutritious meals help her children stay active, healthy and ready for school while encouraging lifelong eating habits built around fresh, wholesome foods.
Like thousands of families across Fiji, Tamara has felt the impact of increasing food prices and higher fuel costs.
But instead of letting these challenges overwhelm the family budget, she has adjusted her shopping habits by making greater use of Fiji’s local markets.
“We manage by keeping to local fresh fruits and vegetables from the market,” she says.
Regular market visits have become an important part of her family’s shopping routine. Spending around $150 each visit, Tamara buys fresh cabbage, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, ota, fresh fish and other seasonal produce that not only costs less but also provide excellent nutritional value.
By combining supermarket shopping with fresh market produce, Tamara has found a balance that allows her family to enjoy healthy meals while supporting local farmers and market vendors.
It’s a strategy that keeps costs under control while ensuring fresh ingredients remain on the family menu.
Her approach demonstrates that successful budgeting isn’t about sacrificing quality it is about planning ahead, comparing prices and making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Every shopping trip is guided by what the family truly needs rather than unnecessary extras. Tamara believes families can still eat well despite economic pressures, provided they remain disciplined and flexible with their spending.
Her message to other shoppers is refreshingly simple but deeply relevant.
“Work with what you can afford and choose the healthier options that are available.”
Through thoughtful choices, a well-planned shopping list and a focus on fresh local produce, Tamara Thomas Turagasau proves that feeding a family well doesn’t always require spending more, it simply requires shopping smarter.
