Seventeen Elkhart County schools will receive Healthy School Food Awards from the Elkhart County Childhood Obesity Initiative for switching to healthy food and snacks at school.

The 17 schools -- New Paris Elementary, Nappanee Elementary, NorthWood Middle and High Schools, Chamberlain Elementary, Parkside Elementary, Waterford Elementary, West Goshen Elementary, Goshen High School, Hawthorne Elementary, Monger Elementary, Roosevelt Primary, Woodland Elementary, West Side Middle School, Jefferson Elementary, Orchard View Elementary and York Elementary -- will receive their awards at school board meetings.

The obesity initiative aims to offer healthy food and beverages in all areas of Elkhart County schools, including vending machines, concessions, classroom snacks and fundraisers.

The program was founded in 2005 by Goshen General Hospital, Elkhart General Hospital and the Elkhart County Health Department.