Schools in Allendale, Belding and Wyoming Win Awards for Healthy Student Lifestyles

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Governor Rick Snyder are recognizing 24 Michigan schools for fostering healthy eating, physical activity habits, and tobacco-free lifestyles among students.

Allendale Middle School, Belding Middle School and Vista Charter Academy in Wyoming are among those being recognized.

All of the award-winning schools are building healthier school environments as a part of the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Plan.

"Throughout the 24 schools recognized today, more than 10,000 students have been impacted by the positive changes made in their school environments," said Nick Lyon, director of the MDHHS. "The effort put forth by these schools to promote healthy lifestyles has helped contribute to a decline in childhood obesity and is proof that Michigan is moving in the right direction."

Some of the healthy highlights of this year's winners include: no-cost physical activity opportunities before and after school, universal breakfast, alternative breakfast methods, school gardens, promoting healthy eating, tobacco free environments, and promoting healthy habits to school staff.

The winners of this year’s School Wellness Awards are: