I’ve been offline most of the week, but am catching up on the Victory Gardeners‘ flurry in response to today’s groundbreaking by First Lady Michelle Obama of the White House organic vegetable garden. While walking that fine political line of supporting organic, local foods without offending the industrial farming complex, the Obamas have lately signaled their interest in promoting healthy food, especially for kids. During a February tour of the White House kitchen, Mrs. Obama was quoted as saying,
“And when you’re dealing with kids, for example, you want to get them to try that carrot. Well, if it tastes like a real carrot and it’s really sweet, they’re going to think that it’s a piece of candy. So my kids are more inclined to try different vegetables if they’re fresh and local and delicious.”
Their own daughters eat local, organic, sustainable lunches at their exclusive Washington private school, while the farm-to-school effort in the District’s public schools is still in its infancy. So we’re thrilled to see today’s ceremony included local elementary school children, who will be involved in the garden from planting to harvesting. For those interested in replicating the White House garden at home, you can view the plans here. And if you were one of the thousands who signed the “Eat the View” petition to the First Family, be sure to sign the thank you petition too.
For those of us also concerned about the plight of the honeybee, Obama Foodorama reports that the White House will also maintain working beehives.
Our kudos to Mrs. Obama and all involved! (Now about that Food Safety Working Group …. )
3 responses so far ↓
1 Barbara Hughston // Mar 21, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I’m involved with a local organic garden, teaching kids about fruits and vegetables directly from the garden. I’ve started a “Farm to Fork” cooking series on Saturday mornings at the farm. The kids love to touch and feel.
Outside of the farm experience, if you can try making some great tasting meals without calling them nutritious or healthy, or using veggie or vegetables in the description, they are much more inclined to try new things. Kids seem to be somewhat terrified of the word vegetable.
I’ve written a cookbook, In the Kitchen with Kids and am teaching kids locally with great success. It’s so rewarding to see kids incorporating great ingredients in their meals without flinching.
Like your blog.
Have a great weekend!!
2 Sylvie, Rappahannock Cook & Kitchen Gardener // Mar 23, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I hope they have plan for a summer garden with plants that can stand up to the heat: tomato, pepper, eggplant, beans, okra, melon, watermelon, summer squash, sweet potatoes, peanuts etc. Comes June, those lettuce are going to melt!
That said, I am delighted that there will be a kitchen garden at the White House.
3 foodietots
Twitter: foodietots
// Mar 24, 2009 at 10:14 am
@ Barbara – Love the “Farm to Fork” classes. It sounds like Mrs. Obama intends to use the garden for teaching — the upcoming White House Easter egg roll will include cooking classes for kids! Will have to look for your cookbook. Thanks for visiting!
@ Sylvie – I can’t believe they aren’t planning to plant tomatoes! But you’re right, maybe that’s in store for a second summer planting. I like the peanut idea – imagine serving homegrown peanut butter & jelly sandwiches at the White House’s summer barbecue. 🙂