Meena: "I Had to Change My Shopping Habits"

At forty, Meena represents the middle class that is thought to be spared, yet she is struggling under the invisible weight of high living costs. As a professional in the private sector and a mother of two, she now juggles numbers and sacrifices to keep the dining table, at least seemingly, a place of sharing. But behind the conviviality of meals lies a survival strategy.

Nowadays, a typical dinner at Meena's is simple: a warm "homemade" dish where rice and pasta serve as a base to stretch a few vegetables and proteins. What was once commonplace has become a rarity. Dining out, leisurely visiting a food court, or simply welcoming friends more than once a month have now become pleasures relegated to the realm of memories.

To maintain balance, Meena has had to change her habits. Big brands have vanished from her shopping cart, replaced by generic alternatives. Sometimes, she simply abstains. Faced with the prices of local mangoes or packaged milk, she looks away: the budget has its reasons that the heart can no longer ignore. The checkout moment has become a test of truth. If she ever puts an item back under the gaze of others, she ensures it is never food, but household products. Because when it comes to essentials, Meena refuses to compromise... at least for her children.

In the privacy of her kitchen, the reality is harsher. "I often reduce my own portion of meat or fish so my children can have enough," she confesses. And when the pots sound hollow, she completely fades into the background, settling for a piece of bread with tuna or simple instant noodles while her little ones finish their meal. The "treats" of yesteryear, like those crunchy biscuits and imported chocolates she used to indulge in, she no longer even glances at. They belong to another world.

This dietary compromise leaves its mark. Meena admits to feeling a bit weary, her body reflecting the impact of impoverished menus. Fortunately, her children still seem well, showing no signs of low energy, but the lack is evident on the tablecloth: fresh fruits in abundance, desserts, cheese, and a variety of vegetables have vanished from their daily lives.

Yet, the weekend remains a last bastion of resistance. While the weekdays are a race against time and prices, Saturday and Sunday see the couple bustling in the kitchen. They prepare an "extra," a small culinary luxury to maintain the illusion that life is still sweet, to protect the family’s smile.

To cope, Meena and her husband have become experts in economic survival. They compare every supermarket, hunt for every promotion, and prioritize essentials with military precision. "We constantly adapt to the budget. We prioritize food over everything else and cook everything at home to avoid any unnecessary expenses."