A lunch cooked by 3-year-olds doesn’t sound appetizing to most; however, it was just that at the Montessori School of Covington’s annual Community Appreciation Chili Luncheon Monday. 

The event honored local public service personnel by serving chili and desserts made by 3 to 5-year-old students, with help from the school’s staff and parents. 

The early childhood students used skills they have been practicing all year to mix lemonade, chop vegetables, grate cheese, cook chili, set and clear the tables and welcome their special guests.

Shannon Fritzius, the school’s lead teacher, said the event teaches children how to be involved in the community.

“We want them to be productive members of society and practice life skills such as this,” she said.

Medical professionals, firefighters, government officials and members of law enforcement were all served by the students. 

Guests chose from firehouse, mild, white chicken and vegetarian chili and a dessert of either banana pudding or dirt cake. Children also went around the room serving bread and refilling glasses of ice tea, water or fresh-squeezed lemonade. 

Monday’s event marked the 11th  year the school has hosted a chili luncheon and the aspect of community service included in the luncheon is part of the Montessori curriculum which teaches the children to give back to a community that has given them so much, Fritzius said.