Michelle Obama brings home the kale, eggs, peppers and more from farmers market
I don't know many people who go to farmers markets if what they crave is a celebrity spotting. Unless the celebrity is a chef, or the market is in Hollywood.
But at the market near the White House, shoppers got to see Michelle Obama on Thursday, the market's opening day. A major figure and fresh tomatoes. Not bad.
According to a pool press report, several hundred people gathered at the market, which is run by FreshFarm Markets. Co-director Ann Yonkers said 18 farmers and producers would sell products at the newest outpost, at a corner of Lafayette Park.
Obama has been promoting healthy eating, in public statements and with a garden at the White House, where a group of elementary school students have worked.
According to the pool report, Obama was greeted by wild cheers when she said,"I have to say, I have never seen so many people so excited about fruits and vegetables. This is a very, very good thing, and it's raining outside and everybody's pumped up."
Obama also did some shopping -- black kale, eggs, cherry tomatoes, peppers, pears, fingerling potatoes, cheese and chocolate milk, according to the White House.
Other speakers included U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who noted that there are more than 4,700 farmers markets in the country, and Washington Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.
The new FreshFarm Markets will be open Thursdays through October, from 3 to 7 p.m. The nonprofit organization operates eight other markets in Washington and Maryland.
-- Mary MacVean
Photo: First Lady Michelle Obama at the farmers market near the White House. Credit: Associated Press
Why wouldn't you like the first lady? What has she ever done to you? Could it be that she's smart and intelligent and you are NOT? Stop voicing your opinion of hate over the web. Its bad enough that you pratice such a thing. Remember GOD is watching you and you will give in account for it. Keep your heart clean, one day you'll be glad you did.
Posted by: mary | September 28, 2009 at 02:47 PM
I'm proud that people even the first lady is praticing good and healthy eating habits. Growing her own organic garden at the white house or any where else is a plus. You go Michelle.....
Posted by: mary | September 28, 2009 at 02:42 PM
I guess that's the trade-off. Either stay inside the White House cocoon, or step outside surrounded by security. We live in a time where it's necessary.
But the Michelle Antoinette comments confuse me. The Farmers Market is accepting WIC... at 2-for-1. If that's not putting your money where your mouth is, I don't know what is.
It's clear that, to some people, this woman will be d*mned either way she goes. If she advocates for "harmless, non-controversial" issues, she's out of touch with today's realities. If she gets involved in advocating for the President, she's becoming an unelected policy maker.
Why not just say that no matter what she does, you won't like her, and leave it at that?
Posted by: Lauren | September 23, 2009 at 05:03 PM
The article conveniently doesn't mention all the streets that were closed and all the White House vehicles and security that were deployed for this healthy little jaunt. Sending an anonymous aide or kitchen staff member would've been less costly and more energy efficient. It truly was a "let them eat cake" moment.
Posted by: Louise | September 19, 2009 at 01:48 PM
... let them eat cake, my husband is the Bernie Madoff of healthcare. HA! Let's go get some Nikes!
Posted by: Sam Beau | September 19, 2009 at 05:14 AM
I know, right? The Emmys are on this weekend, and "According to Jim" wasn't even nominated! WHEN WILL AMERICA OPEN ITS EYES???
Posted by: BECKy Sharpe | September 18, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Michelle Antoinette - what a joke.
Posted by: Joe | September 18, 2009 at 12:48 PM
who cares, you ignorant people. look at what is happening.
Posted by: lisa | September 18, 2009 at 11:23 AM