The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District is one of the eight runner-ups in the Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge.
Fifty cities in the U.S. competed in the challenge to improve health outcomes and promote health and wellness.
The Waco-McLennan County Health District was recognized for its efforts to increase eating of food and vegetables.
According to health district spokeswoman Kelly Craine, the department hosted healthy cooking demonstrations and supported Jubilee Food Market, a nonprofit grocery store that provides low-cost fruits and vegetables.
"Waco just like all around the country has issues with diabetes, heart disease and obesity and one of the best ways to improve your health, to improve your heart disease improve your risk of diabetes or to lower your weight is to eat healthy fruits and vegetables," Craine said.
The health district will receive $25,000 as a prize for the contest. In 2018, it also won the same amount of money after earning the Spotlight Award.
Bridgeport, Connecticut won the contestfor cities comparable in size to Waco.
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