‘Market is my favourite place’
DENISE Don emphasises spending less at the supermarket as it saves a lot of time and money.
The 53-year-old lives with her husband and buying healthy food is something she does all the time. “I ensure we choose healthy food whenever we buy from the supermarkets,” she said.
“Since I shop for myself and my husband only, we don’t spend much on groceries.”
In a week, Denise spends about $100 on food items.
Her list includes flour, sugar, rice, cooking oil, canned meat, toiletries and other necessities.
She discourages over-buying as it is a waste of time and money.
Denise said making a list before heading to the supermarket and market should be a priority.
Since she sells handicraft and artifacts inside the Sigatoka Market, she’s exposed to fresh vegetables and fruits around her.
Apart from buying from vendors, Denise also maintains a backyard garden at home. For Denise, growing vegetables is one of the best ways to promote a healthy lifestyle. In their backyard garden, they plant chilies, eggplants, tomatoes and other leafy vegetables. “It is always important to plant our own food and as it saves a lot of money and time,” she said.
Denise also raises chickens and ducks, so she doesn’t have to buy meat.
“We randomly buy meat as we raise chickens and ducks at home.”
Denise shared that they also live near the sea and they also go fishing often.
“We don’t have to buy fish from the shop all the time as we’re close to the sea,” she said.
Denise’s advice to shoppers is to grow their own food.
She said if they were close to the sea then people should also take advantage of it and go out fishing. This can be done by the whole family as well, rather than running to the fish shops.
She encourages women to be cautious when buying food products - and to always read the labels carefully.
“It is important to read the labels carefully and be aware of what you’re taking home to your family ensure it’s safe and the right product to purchase,” she said.