The White House Goes Green

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama joins 5th grade students from the Bancroft Elementary School during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new White House Kitchen Garden in Washington Friday. Photo courtesy of MSNBC.

Kudos to California chef Alice Waters! She has lobbied the White House to plant such a garden for more than a decade. “Fresh, wholesome food is the right of every American,” Waters said. “This garden symbolizes the Obamas’ commitment to that belief.” Finally we are making progress!

Among the crops to be planted in the coming weeks on the on the 1,100-square-foot South Lawn are spinach, broccoli, various lettuces, kale and collard greens, which will rotate with the seasons. Assorted herbs and berries will also be planted along with blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. There will also be a beehive. Impressive! The first harvest is expected by late April. Assistant chef Sam Kass says some of the produce will be cooked in the White House kitchen and some will be given to a local soup kitchen where Mrs. Obama recently helped serve lunch. Is it just me or does this Obama family seem to be on top of things? The San Francisco Gate has great raw video on Alice

Waters’ reaction on the White House garden.

I must say, I’ve always admired Alice Waters for her passion with food. She reminds me of Ireland’s own Darina Allen. Waters, a pioneer for all of us organic SLOW Food enthusiasts, has not only worked her magic at the White House but has also broken ground at local middle school in Berkeley, California, where students harvest and prepare produce as part of their garden and kitchen classes. Considered an interactive garden classroom, gardening and cooking are actual classes and are part of a movement called The Edible Schoolyard. Brilliant!