Fijians are struggling to survive as food and fuel prices soar and political instability reigns.
The troubled military-led nation has just recorded the lowest levels of growth of any country in the region.
In the settlement of Vatukaula on the island of Viti Levu, the children at the local primary school are going without.
"Some of them (children) are coming to school with no lunch at all," says Vatukaula Primary School Principal Talaiyasi Yarovoli.
And that is if they make it to school at all as many parents can not afford to pay the 30 cents bus fare.
"Last week alone the number of children who didn't turn up to school was more than 50, 50 plus students," says Yarovoli.
One of the reasons that the town is struggling is due to the Emperor Gold Mine closing two years ago. The whole town is affected with around 1700 people losing their jobs. Then add soaring prices of basic food items such as bread, rice, flour and noodles.
"We can't afford it - the price of the food," says Vakakoala resident Isei Korloga.
Many shops have shut down, barely able to keep their shelves filled. The shopkeepers cannot afford it themselves.
Vakakoala's situation is by no means unique. Communities around Fiji are feeling the pinch and the message is the same.
"We are heading to the poverty level. We urge the government to do something about it," says Jo Sadreu, spokesman for Fiji Mining Workers Union.
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