Summer means fresh fruit, busy days, and trying to keep healthy snacks stocked in the fridge. And this week, our 11-year-old Paige took charge of it all by herself.
While I was at work, Chris was at the gym, and sisters were otherwise occupied — Paige decided it was the perfect time to tackle our Costco produce haul. She washed, chopped, and packed everything into mason jars for the week. Total star move. 🌟
We stocked up on:
- 🍓 Strawberries
- 🍇 Grapes
- 🫐 Blueberries
- 🥕 Baby carrots
- 🌶️ Bell peppers
- 🥒 Cucumbers
- 🍍 Pineapple
Pro tip: letting kids choose their fruits and veggies gets them excited to prep and eat them too.
🧼 Step 1: Wash & Sort
Paige rinsed everything. Then she set up her prep station with bowls for each type of produce. No one else was around — just her, some background music, and a kitchen full of fresh food.
🔪 Step 2: Chop Like a Pro
Using kid-safe knives, she sliced strawberries, diced cucumbers, and chopped bell peppers all on her own. She’s been helping in the kitchen for a while, but this was her first solo mission — and she crushed it.
(Also… every great chef deserves a goofy break. 🥴🍍)
🧻 Step 3: Pack the Jars
Each jar got a folded paper towel on the bottom to help absorb moisture, then she layered in the prepped produce. Everything was bright, colorful, and snack-ready.
🔒 Step 4: Seal for Freshness
To finish the job, she used our one-button electric vacuum sealer to remove air from each jar. The seal helps everything last all week — and Paige said it made her feel “like a scientist.”
💡 Why We Love This
- Healthy snacks for the whole week
- Zero waste on produce
- Huge confidence boost for Paige
- And this mama didn’t have to lift a finger
🛍️ Paige’s Favorite Tools
🔗 Electric Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer
Want more kid-powered kitchen ideas? Or just need snack prep that actually works? Follow along at Paging Real Life 💛
Let us know if you try this method — and don’t forget to tag us with your mason jar fridge lineups!
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