Radhika Mani lives in Nakasi with her husband and their four daughters, and her job at CJS has made the local store her go-to shopping destination. She appreciates the supermarket for being convenient and for offering everything her family needs under one roof, from basic food items to fresh produce, in a clean, well-laid-out space with attentive customer service.
While she sometimes buys snacks from other outlets, Radhika mainly relies on CJS Supermarket for most of her groceries because of its variety and accessibility. She also visits RB Patel Supermarket in Nakasi, drawn by its proximity to home. The recently opened CJS Mall in Nakasi has further improved her ability to shop close to home and on her schedule.
Home life plays a big role in her budgeting. Radhika tends a backyard garden where she grows rourou, lemon trees, eggplants, chillies, and different leafy greens. She believes strongly in healthy living and deliberate choices for her family’s well-being. The homegrown produce helps supplement the family diet and lowers grocery costs, with about $25 spent weekly on market vegetables. Her weekly grocery budget runs around $100, bringing weekly spending to roughly $125 when combined with market produce.
Her regular shopping includes healthy vegetables, fresh fruits, and milk to ensure balanced meals, along with basic staples like cooking oil, tea, potatoes, spices, toiletries, and other essentials. “The inclusion of homegrown produce allows me to stay within budget while still emphasizing healthy meals,” she says. By combining smart shopping with home gardening, she believes she can maintain financial discipline alongside a healthy family lifestyle.
Radhika also advocates mindful shopping. She cautions that many shoppers grasp items impulsively, which can lead to overspending. She urges fellow shoppers to focus on essential goods, avoid processed foods, and prefer local products when possible. She emphasizes the importance of having a shopping list and being thoughtful about what goes into baskets and trolleys.
Editor’s note: This piece reflects a broader trend of families balancing health, budget, and convenience. Readers may find it useful to consider small steps like growing a few vegetables at home, planning a weekly shopping list, and comparing nearby markets and supermarkets to identify fresh, affordable options.
Takeaways for readers:
– Home gardens can reduce grocery costs while boosting meal freshness.
– A clear shopping list helps avoid impulse buys and keeps focus on essentials.
– Local products and fresh produce support healthier meals and local economies.
Possible headlines:
– Local Garden, Local Savings: How One Family Keeps Meals Healthy and Affordable
– Mindful Shopping and Home-Grown Produce Shape a Healthy Fiji Family
– Close-to-Home Shopping and Backyard Harvests Boost Family Wellness
Summary: Radhika Mani’s routine blends mindful, budget-conscious shopping with a home garden that provides fresh produce and cost savings. Her approach—prioritizing essentials, choosing local products, and planning groceries—offers a practical model for families aiming for healthier diets and financial discipline.
Positive note: Radhika’s story highlights how simple, consistent practices—planful shopping, home gardening, and prioritizing local foods—can strengthen family health and financial resilience.
Optional editor’s value add:
– A brief local-market guide or tips for identifying fresh, locally grown produce.
– A call to action encouraging readers to visit nearby markets and support local farmers and small businesses.
– A photo caption idea: “CJS Mall brings more shopping choices to Nakasi, alongside a home garden that supports family health and budgets.”
Overall sentiment: positive
Negative: none
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