June 16, 2009 5:22 PM

Michelle Obama Harvests WH Veggie Patch

By
Prerana Swami
Topics
Michelle Obama
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
First Lady Michelle Obama and students from Bancroft Elementary School came together Tuesday afternoon to harvest the White House's vegetable garden.

"Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work," Obama said in a speech to the students.

The students not only picked vegetables from the garden, but joined the first lady and White House chefs in the kitchen to prepare a meal from the produce. Obama is seen splitting peas with some students.

Planted back in March, the South Lawn garden provides organic vegetables for the first family, as well as formal dinners. According to Obama, the garden is also a "fun and interesting way" to teach children about nutrition and eating healthy.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
"The planting of this garden was one of the first things I wanted to do as first lady at the White House," she told the students, adding: "You helped make this dream a reality."

In her comments, Obama discussed the importance of regulating diet in order to eat healthy. She said that nearly one third of all children are obese and that roughly the same percentage will eventually have diabetes. She said "those numbers are unacceptable."

The first lady also said that medical experts predict that the current generation of children will live shorter lives than their parents due to dietary factors. Talking about her own life growing up, Obama said that eating habits have changed "substantially since I was a little girl."

"When I was growing up, fast food was a rarity," she said. "It was a special treat and we had to beg for it. Eating out was a luxury."

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Obama also said that "limited access" to nutritious foods "is often a barrier to a healthy diet." Many people around the country, she said, rely on inadequate sources such as gas stations and convenience stores for grocery needs.

Additionally, she told the students the USDA feeds 30 million subsidized meals to children each year. Because these meals are their primary source of nutrition, Obama said "we need to improve the quality and nutrition of food in schools."

Students at Bancroft Elementary helped build and harvest the garden while learning about health and nutrition. Obama said these children have not only made an effort to eat healthier, they have educated their parents as well.

"This garden project has given us the opportunity not just to educate the children, but educate a few adults along the way," Obama said.

Christening the children her "little ambassadors," Obama called on them to lead the way by educating their friends, family and other Americans about healthier eating.

After her speech, the first lady led students to eat the products of the day. Obama is seen serving the children the vegetables they planted and harvested in the White House's South Lawn.

Add a Comment See all 13 Comments
by bcs2k June 18, 2009 11:41 PM EDT
She's doing a wonderful job inspiring others to grow their own garden and educating kids on the importance of fresh food and nutrition.
Reply to this comment
by dbaecht June 17, 2009 12:13 AM EDT
"I have a garden, so do other people. shouldn't they be praised for it as well? Wow...this is super"

Everyone that takes the time to grow their own food, deserves a "VERY GOOD JOB".
Those that don't know how, but are trying anyway deserve a "DOUBLE VERY GOOD JOB"
Those that can't do anything but gripe and complain deserve a "**** OFF"
Reply to this comment
by Rebel_Rebel June 16, 2009 11:37 PM EDT
Some of you people are criticizing this woman for what? Not being your Barbie doll, putting her own career on hold to support her husband and care for her family, Planting a garden they may serve as an inspiration in these times for many others, not fulfilling your ideals or goals for a First Lady. She could walk on water and still not satisfy you. Stupid, petty, shallow little minds.
Reply to this comment
by mrleme June 16, 2009 10:33 PM EDT
sorry for the repeat
Reply to this comment
by mrleme June 16, 2009 10:32 PM EDT
She is the FIRST LADY of the UNITED STATES. Doesn't she have better things to do with her time? We elected 'hired' both the Obama's to lead our country which is a significant influence in the world. I don't know of any other presidential couple in history that has shown more time on their hands or maybe the press 'just happens to be there' when all these excursions happen? Yes I have a garden but I don't run our country.
Reply to this comment
by mrleme June 16, 2009 10:32 PM EDT
She is the FIRST LADY of the UNITED STATES. Doesn't she have better things to do with her time? We elected 'hired' both the Obama's to lead our country which is a significant influence in the world. I don't know of any other presidential couple in history that has shown more time on their hands or maybe the press 'just happens to be there' when all these excursions happen? Yes I have a garden but I don't run our country.
Reply to this comment
by puzzler125 June 16, 2009 7:55 PM EDT
Michelle Obama has decided to put her professional life on hold as she meets the duties of First Lady. As the mother of two young girls she has made them her focus and shouldn't be trashed for her decisions!
Reply to this comment
by Yeah-Me June 16, 2009 9:29 PM EDT
Here here... :o)
by mingocat June 16, 2009 7:37 PM EDT
Remember when Ms. Obama was an ambitious, smart, Ivy League-educated lawyer? Now all we ever hear about is Michelle with children, Michelle gushing about a puppy, Michelle's clothes, Michelle's looks.

I'm not sure if this woman has actually remade herself into June Cleaver to please the masses (no doubt she remembers that another smart, ambitious lawyer/first lady was pilloried for having the courage to move beyond motherhood and cookie-baking duties in the White House) or if the media is just force-feeding us this nonstop "glamour girl and happy homemaker" BS. Either way, I note she's not contesting the image.

Ah, Michelle. For a few moments during the primaries, I thought you had guts, smarts, and ideals. Hard to respect a sellout.
Reply to this comment
by ibsteve2u June 16, 2009 7:10 PM EDT
Makes me miss gardening...

There is such a world of difference between a store-bought, artificially-reddened tomato and one that you have grown yourself.

About like the difference between baloney and steak.
Reply to this comment
by PermieWriter June 16, 2009 6:58 PM EDT
Mrs. Obama's garden is a gift to all of us. Thank you!
Reply to this comment
by natnat8476 June 16, 2009 7:36 PM EDT
Oh please.......gag
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