Two local schools will be able to more effectively combat childhood obesity with the help of a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

Pelham Oaks and Montevallo elementary schools are two of 26 schools statewide that will receive a grant of up to $10,000 from BCBS as a part of its Be Healthy School Grant Program.

According to a news release from BCBS, the grants are administered with the intent to help reduce childhood obesity. The grants will be used for the implementation of school-based health and wellness programs, emphasizing increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement during the school year.

A total of $250,000 in grant money is being distributed among 26 schools enrolling students in grades K-6 for the 2017-18 school year.

More than 12,200 students will benefit from the program, according to the release.

Since 2012, BCBS has awarded more than $1 million in 114 Be Healthy School Grants statewide impacting more than 57,500 students.

In addition to Pelham Oaks and Montevallo elementary schools, Banks School in Pike County, Barbour County Primary in Barbour County, Brookhill Elementary in Athens, Buhl Elementary in Tuscaloosa, Cahaba Elementary in Trussville, Clay Elementary in Clay, Dixie Elementary in Opelika, Douglas Elementary in Horton, Evergreen Elementary in Evergreen, Fayetteville High School in Sylacauga, Glenwood School in Phenix City, Greenwood Elementary in Bessemer, Harrand Creek in Enterprise, Huntington Place in Northport, Indian Valley Elementary in Sylacauga and Jasper Intermediate School in Jasper were also awarded grants up to $10,000.

Martha Gaskins Elementary in Birmingham, Reform Elementary in Pickens County, Riverton Elementary in Huntsville, Robinson Elementary in Birmingham, Swift School in Baldwin County, Troy Elementary in Troy, Valley Jr. High in Jasper and Walter Jackson Elementary in Decatur also received grants through the program.