A White House garden party
Michelle Obama had a garden party yesterday afternoon. But not the tea and crumpets in white gloves sort. She was joined by the students from Bancroft Elementary School who helped her plant and tend the White House garden that got so much attention earlier this year.
At the party they returned for a feast using some of what they grew, including peas and lettuce.
"This is our reward for all that hard work," she told the children.
Obama said the garden was one of the first things she wanted to do at the White House. She noted that Congress and the president soon will be talking about health care reform and the reauthorization of child nutrition programs.
"And these are issues that I care deeply about, especially when they affect America's children," she said.
"Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure are all diet-related health issues that cost this country more than $120 billion each year," she said.
She said she hoped the children who worked in the garden had spread the word to their families about healthy eating and how good fresh fruit and vegetables taste.
Obama noted that there are more than 1 million community gardens across the country.
White House associate chef Sam Kass said the garden has produced lettuce, snap peas, beans, kale, collards and chard. He credited a large amount of rain for the garden's bounty. Kass said no chemicals had been used on the garden, but it's not certified organic. Weekly weeding was done by him, a pastry chef and some volunteers.
Kass said he has harvested 90 pounds of produce from the garden, including broccoli and green beans; the food has been used in the White House or donated.
--Mary MacVean
Photo: First Lady Michelle Obama and students in the garden today. Credit: Alex Brandon / Associated Press
Never have I been so amazed, brought to my knees by our President and Michelle Obama. They are indeed a splendid couple.
Mrs. Obama, works hard. She is not just about talking. There is no guessing, you can feel her compassion. She is and has done so much. She is without a stiff unapproachable attitude. I cannot believe she is real. Plus, she has the greatest of style. She is simply extraordinary as is her husband.
I want him to know how much I appreciate how he is trying to work out some many of our problems, healthcare, economy and much much more. He is again amazing. Tireless worker.
Beautiful children.
Happy couple. How refreshing.
Donna
Posted by: Donna Bevill | June 17, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Mrs. Obama is the most beautiful, stylish, smart, caring, incredible First Lady and beautiful woman. She is herself but oh so Jackie Kennedy. You can see her soul in her eyes. She is lovely and crisp J. Crew. Love her style. Fresh and youthful with a dash of a tomboy.
Husband and wife are incredibly brillant, but has a vast understanding of the plight of the ordinary American. The President gets things done. Remarkable - approachable. They are a stunning couple.
My hat off to the greatest President - ever! I think.
Posted by: Donna Bevill | June 17, 2009 at 02:31 PM
"Kass said no chemicals had been used on the garden..."
Oh really? No di-hydrogen oxide, (and no nitrogen, potassium, etc?) Without di-hydrogen oxide, it will die within days.
Di-hydrogen oxide is a chemical we usually refer to as "water".
The distortions of the "organic" crowd stretch right on up to the top, it appears.
Posted by: chris g | June 17, 2009 at 01:32 PM