BIRMINGHAM — In its commitment to help prevent childhood obesity, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is urging schools to apply for its Be Healthy School Grant Program.

“We sincerely appreciate our strong partnerships with schools across Alabama and are proud to see the positive results from the Be Healthy School Grant Program,” said Tim King, Community Relations Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

For the 2023-2024 school year, Blue Cross said it will make available $300,000 and award grants up to $10,000 to 30 schools (elementary, middle and high) across the state.

Since 2012, Blue Cross has awarded more than $2.6 million in 284 Be Healthy School Grants statewide impacting over 134,000 students.

“This investment makes available the resources needed for our children to lead the healthiest lives possible, which long-term means a healthier Alabama,” King said.

The grants are for schools to adopt school-based programs that emphasize exercise and nutrition education.

Applications can be found at AlabamaBlue.com/schoolgrant; the deadline to apply is July 16.