FOR 27-year-old Tuidali Raisele, grocery shopping isn’t simply about filling the pantry it’s about making thoughtful decisions that provide the best value for her family while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Originally from Drudrua in Macuata, with European heritage, Tuidali now lives in Vatuwaqa, where she is raising her young child.
As a proud mother to a single child, she understands the importance of budgeting wisely while ensuring her family has everything they need.
Unlike many shoppers who remain loyal to one supermarket, Tuidali takes a different approach.
She believes that shopping around is one of the smartest ways to stretch the household budget, especially as the cost of living continues to climb.
“We don’t really have one set supermarket that we shop at,” she explains.
“We usually shop at Extra Supermarket in Laucala Beach, Shop N Save in Nabua, New World at Damodar City Centre and Cost-U-Less. It really depends on where we can find the best value and deals at the time.
Every Sunday evening, Tuidali heads out for her family’s main grocery shop, spending around $200 on essential household items.
Rather than making impulse purchases, she shops with purpose, carefully comparing prices and looking for specials that help maximise every dollar.
Her shopping trolley reflects a practical yet balanced lifestyle. It is typically filled with meat, fresh vegetables, fruits, toiletries, cleaning supplies and of course, a few treats for the family.
“I always make a conscious effort to include fresh fruits and vegetables because I’m a believer in having a balanced diet.
“For me, it’s not about being overly strict with food, but about making sure there is a good balance.”
That philosophy extends beyond the supermarket aisles. Tuidali is also a regular visitor to roadside stalls and the Suva Municipal Market, where she spends about $50 on fresh root crops, seasonal fruits and locally grown vegetables.
Shopping at the markets not only helps reduce household expenses but also allows her to enjoy fresh, quality produce while supporting local farmers and vendors.
It has become an important part of her family’s weekly routine and a practical way of keeping healthy foods on the table.
Like many Fijian families, Tuidali has had to adjust her spending habits as food prices and fuel costs continue to rise.
One of the biggest changes has been reducing meals eaten outside the home and embracing home cooking instead.
“With the rising cost of living, we’ve definitely had to become more mindful of how we spend,” she says.
“One of the biggest changes we’ve made is cutting down on eating out and choosing to make more things at home instead. It can take a little more effort, but it does make a difference to the household budget.”
For Tuidali, preparing meals at home isn’t just about saving money it also gives her greater control over what her family eats, making it easier to serve nutritious, balanced meals.
Her practical approach to shopping has taught her that a little planning can go a long way. Comparing prices, shopping seasonal specials and mixing supermarket visits with market shopping all contribute to keeping the family budget under control without sacrificing quality.
She encourages other shoppers to adopt the same mindset.
“My advice would be to always keep an eye out for the best deals and don’t be afraid to shop around,” she says.
“In this economy, good deals on basic food items can make a real difference, so when they come around, it’s worth taking advantage of them.”
She also believes every shopping trip is an opportunity to make healthier choices.
“I think it’s important to be intentional about what goes into your shopping basket. Creating healthier shopping habits can sometimes take a little more thought and effort, but even small choices like adding more fruits and vegetables or choosing to cook more meals at home can make a positive difference for you and your family.
For Tuidali Raisele, smart shopping is about more than finding bargains it’s about creating a healthier future, managing money wisely and proving that with careful planning, every dollar can go further while keeping family wellbeing at the heart of every purchase.
