By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

Two schools in Shelby County recently got a healthy dose of financial help from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama to help combat childhood obesity among their students.

Pelham’s Valley Elementary School and Alabaster’s Thompson Intermediate School recently received $10,000 grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield to fund programs aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among the school’s students.

Blue Cross Blue Shield representative Jeff Adams said more than 100 schools applied for the grants, but only 28 schools were chosen through the program.

To be considered for the grant, schools submitted applications outlining their plans to promote nutrition, exercise and parental involvement in their schools.

“We really had a tough time choosing the grant recipients,” Adams said during a May 28 interview. “There is a huge need for financial assistance to aid in implementing those programs.

“This is the third year we’ve done this. We feel this is a solid investment in the future of Alabama’s children,” Adams added.

Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives will hold ceremonies to present the grant checks at the two schools in the fall.