The end of the school year does not mean a break for workers in the child nutrition program in Franklin County Schools and Russellville City Schools, as CNP works tirelessly to provide meals for the many students who come through the school.

RCS CNP Director Elaine Vaughn said the number of students the schools serve varies from day to day, but some days might see close to 1,000 students.

“Our job is to make sure all of these kids have access to a good meal,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn said the schools serves meals to students in the literacy program and the 21st Century Learning Program, which totals about 200 students. They also serve meals to the RMS and RHS football program, the Marching 100, all girls athletics and various camps throughout the summer.

“It can be a little chaotic at times, but it is what we love to do,” Vaughn said.

RCS and FCS are also providing free meals to all children 18 and younger, regardless of whether they are enrolled at RCS or FCS, through the Seamless Summer Feeding Program.

Each school has a different time when children can come sign in to pick up a free meal.

Pick-up for RCS is at Russellville Elementary School from June 7 through July 30, from 7:15-8:30 a.m. for breakfast and 10:45 a.m. to noon for lunch, Monday through Friday.

FCS will serve from June 7 to July 23 but will be closed July 2 and July 5. 

Pick-up will be from 7:30-8 a.m. for breakfast and 10:15 a.m. until 1 p.m. for lunch at Belgreen, East Franklin, Phil Campbell, Red Bay, Tharptown and Vina.

For more information, call Vaughn with RCS at 256-331-2011 or Robynn Bragwell with FCS at 256-331-2136.