Michelle Obama Launches First White House Vegetable Garden Since WWII

Twenty-six elementary schoolchildren wielded shovels, rakes, pitchforks and wheelbarrows to help first lady Michelle Obama break ground on a produce and herb garden on the White House grounds. Spinach, broccoli, lettuces, kale and collard greens will be among the crops to be planted in the coming week. The first harvest is expected by late April. A beehive also is part of the project. Assistant chef Sam Kass says some produce will be cooked in the White House kitchen and some will be given to a local soup kitchen where Obama recently helped serve lunch. Obama told the students that her family has talked about planting such a garden since they moved to the White House.

While the organic garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, its most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at time when obesity has become a national concern.
In an interview in her office, Mrs. Obama said, “My hope is that through children, they will begin to educate their families and that will, in turn, begin to educate our communities.”

Note: No matter your political views, you've got to love the fact that the first family is growing a garden for their own use and planning to share with the local community. I give them a thumbs up!

~Amy