21 Georgia schools get grants to fight childhood obesity - CBS Atlanta 46

Georgia health officials have announced that 21 schools have gotten grants to help fight childhood obesity.

The grants total $87,000 and come from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Governor's SHAPE initiative. The schools include elementary, middle and high schools throughout the state.

Twelve schools got up to $5,000 to implement physical activity and nutrition plans, while nine others got $3,000 to develop plans. The money will also be used for training and technical assistance.

Health officials say children are more physically active if their schools schedule and promote physical activities. Georgia ranks third in the nation for overweight and obese children.

SHAPE is a statewide initiative that brings together the government, philanthropic, academic and business communities to fight childhood obesity in Georgia.

Schools awarded Implementation Grants:

• Jackson Road Elementary School, Griffin
• Chesnut Charter Elementary School, Dunwoody
• Berkmar Middle School, Lawrenceville
• Parkside Elementary School, Atlanta
• Largo Tibet Elementary School, Savannah
• Southside Middle School, Albany
• Wheeless Road Elementary School, Augusta
• Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry (K-5), Flowery Branch
• Keheley Elementary School, Marietta
• North Hall Middle School, Gainesville
• Black's Mill Elementary School, Dawsonville
• West Bainbridge Elementary School, Bainbridge

Schools that received Planning Grants:

• Newton County Theme School (K-7), Newton City
• Valley Point Elementary School, Dalton
• Evansdale Elementary School, Doraville
• Carrollton Elementary School, Carrollton
• Bells Ferry Elementary School, Marietta
• Lewis Frasier Middle School, Hinesville
• Carrollton High School, Carrollton
• The Intown Academy (K-8), Atlanta
• Hancock Central Middle School, Hancock City

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation) contributed to this report.