Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Be Healthy School Grant Program is awarding $250,000 in grants to 28 schools statewide – including two Covington County elementary schools – enrolling students in grades K through sixth for the 2016-2017 school year. The grants are for the implementation of school-based health and wellness programs, emphasizing increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement during the school year. More than 14,500 students will benefit from the program. Each school is receiving a grant up to $10,000.

Among the grant awards announced Tuesday were allocations to Andalusia Elementary School and Opp Elementary School.

Since 2012, Blue Cross has awarded more than $760,000 in 86 Be Healthy School Grants statewide impacting more than 43,000 students.