Two local schools are among those that will receive funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Be Healthy School Grant Program to help prevent childhood obesity.

BCBS is awarding $261,200 in grants to 27 schools statewide enrolling students in grades K through sixth for the 2018 – 2019 school year. Each school is receiving a grant up to $10,000 for the implementation of school-based health and wellness programs, emphasizing increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement during the school year. The Blue Cross grants totaling $261,200 will benefit 11,174 students throughout the state.

Local schools include Opp Middle School and W.S. Harlan Elementary School in Lockhart.