TOPEKA — A foundation is offering grants of up to $1,000 for Kansas schools to help implement student health programs.

Officials with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation announced today that they plan to award some 150 grants in 2012. The grants are intended to promote healthy eating habits, increase physical activity or otherwise reduce the risk of cardiovascular illness.

“Schools are at the forefront of helping turn the tide of childhood obesity and associated chronic health conditions because our children spend so much time at school,” said Marlou Wegener, chief operating officer of the foundation. “We also understand that school budgets are tighter than ever and administrators are making tough decisions regarding how to allocate limited dollars. Since its inception, the Healthy Habits for Life grant program has helped to ease some of that burden by providing funds for health-related curriculum, equipment or activities.”

The program was started six years ago and has awarded 441 grants totaling more than $425,000. Foundation officials said last year all $150,000 earmarked for the program was distributed to Kansas schools.

Grants are limited to one per school per grant cycle.

More information and grant applications are available at bcbsks.com/foundation.