Fresh produce has always been a bit elusive in the remote islands of the Pacific. Most islands are hundreds if not thousands of miles away from the “main town.” And even the main towns have to have the produce either flown in or shipped in. Both modes of transportation are long, hard journeys often leaving the produce bruised, damaged, and spoiled.
We were very excited to arrive in Majuro because we heard you could get American products which we craved. The Marshall Islands often get their food supplies from the U.S. and Hawaii in particular. So, we had hoped we would have access to some tasty fresh vegetables and fruit. Delusions of grandeur.
There are several stores that sell produce, but only 2 have a “decent” selection. The best day to shop for produce is the day after the plane arrives which are Tuesdays and Saturdays. This photo was taken at one of the better stores. The worker was literally just stocking the shelves. Most of this will be gone in 1-2 days.
What Did we Find?
We mostly found staples like potatoes, cabbage, onions, small eggplant (aubergine). On a good day, we could find monster carrots, apples, bananas, celery, grapes. It is a treasure hunt to find unblemished produce.
If there was produce on the shelves it typically was in some form of decay or spoiled. Yet, it was still exceedingly expensive. We find it really hard to believe anyone would buy the produce in the ruined state at such high costs. So you would assume there is a lot of waste.
Just a little rough….and yet so very expensive!
The pre-packaged fruit is bug free but as you can tell they are poor condition (these were just put on the shelves)
In addition, there often are lots of bugs and critters on or around the produce.
Exorbitant Prices
Prices for the fresh produce tend to be extremely high. Understandable considering they are coming from another country by plane or ship. But, they tend to be a lot higher than expected. For example
- Grapes $11.85/lb (so one bag will be over $23)
- Carrots $3.45/lb
- Apples $3.39/lb
- Eggplant $6.49/lb
- Avocados $8/99/lb
- Broccoli $6.45/lb
Not sure how the locals can afford these prohibitive prices considering the average Marshallese only makes $4.00 per hour.
These were discounted because on Tuesdays they give “elderly” a discount. Yep, I am elderly after 55!
Some more crazy prices.
Growing Produce in the Islands
Many locals in French Polynesia, Fiji, and Vanuatu had thriving gardens. Almost every island had banana, mango, breadfruit, and pandanus trees. However, we have not been so lucky in the RMI.
Most, if not all, of islands in RMI are rock and coral. Making the “soil” unfavorable for gardening.
Effects of No Produce
It is so very sad to report, but 75% of Marshallese over 50 have Type II diabetes. Maybe because they don’t have access to good produce. Maybe because there is too much of an American influence. Or maybe they were never taught healthy habits and there simply aren’t many options.
Our blog posts run 4-6 weeks behind live events. This blog took place in early March. Check out how we amused ourselves while at the remote island of Enemonit.
