KENNEWICK -- All 14 Kennewick elementary schools have received national awards for improving student health.

The schools all received the bronze award as part of the HealthierUS School Challenge, a voluntary program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each school will receive a $500 prize.

Schools have to do a number of things to qualify for the award, including improve the nutritional value of the meals they serve, provide nutrition education and make sure students are getting enough physical activity. It's the second year in a row the schools received the awards.

"It requires dedication on a daily basis from the staff at each of these elementary school and constant support from the district's nutrition services department to make it happen," said district spokeswoman Lorraine Cooper.