Natchez schools have some new ammunition with which to fight childhood obesity, on the rise in our state and nation.

Thanks to a grant application written by Robert Lewis Middle School principal Bettye Bell, the school district will receive nearly a half-million dollars over three years to implement new physical education curricula in the schools.

Fitness centers in RLMS and Morgantown Elementary &8212; the first schools to take advantage of the program &8212; will open in February.

This is a great opportunity for the school system to help improve the health of our community&8217;s youth.

Mississippi is often cited among the worst states for obesity, and people at lower economic levels are at high risk because they don&8217;t have access to healthier foods and health clubs.

This grant will give the students a helping hand in improving their fitness level &8212; and will give them incentive to keep improving for the rest of their lives.

The fitness centers, which will have exercise equipment and other activities, will be open after school and during the summer for students and for the community.

We&8217;re excited about the possibilities these centers will have for students and for the community.