ARLINGTON, Va. — First lady Michelle Obama is challenging software and video game designers to develop games and applications that get kids excited about living healthy.

She says thousands of dollars in cash prizes are at stake for the winners.

Mrs. Obama announced the Apps for Healthy Kids Challenge Wednesday at a national Parent Teacher Association conference in Arlington, Va. The contest is part of her new public awareness campaign against the national problem of childhood obesity.

Mrs. Obama also announced a meeting next week with food manufacturers to discuss her campaign.