Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches make for a delicious summer lunch for kids, but when the classic combination becomes dull, Shelby County Schools’ Seamless Summer Feeding Program can pull parents and children out of their sandwich rut.

The program, which kicked off June 1 at Elvin Hill Elementary in Columbiana, 201 Washington St., and Montevallo Elementary, 171 Jeter Circle, offers free breakfast and lunch to children ages 18 and under Monday through Friday, said Maureen Alexander, Shelby County Schools Child Nutrition Program Coordinator. The program is chiefly funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Breakfast is served at both schools from 7:30-8 a.m. Lunch is served from 11 a.m.- noon. Elvin Hill’s program ends July 2 while Montevallo’s ends July 24.

Breakfast for adult visitors is $2. Lunch is $4. Iced tea is available for 75 cents.

“We feel a strong commitment to extend good nutrition to the children 12 months a year,” Alexander said. “We really want them to model good eating in the summer.”

Alexander said about 200 children are participating in this year’s program. At Montevallo, children from the city’s new Boys and Girls Club and University First Baptist church are regular diners.

Both schools are eligible for the program because 50 percent of the student population receives free or reduced price school meals. However, Alexander said children who pay full price for school meals can participate in the program.

In accordance with federal law and USDA policy, the program is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, age, sex, disability or national origin.

Alexander said the program requires no application process. All parents and children have to do is show up. All meals must be consumed at the school. Carry-outs are not available.

For more information, call the Shelby County Schools Child Nutrition Program at 682-6533 or e-mail malexander@shelbyed.k12.al.us.