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.

Tags: health, obesity, childhood obesity, Georgia obesity, child obesity