We’ve all but given up hope that President Obama will focus on the issues with our industrial food system anytime soon. Something about a failing economy has him sidetracked. But First Lady Michelle Obama is doing her part. Starting this Friday she will begin digging up a patch of the White House lawn to plant an organic vegetable garden.
The garden will be used to supply food for the first family, as well as for formal dinners. But Michelle Obama has another goal in mind: educating kids on the importance of locally grown produce. The hope is that maybe we can’t change the adults minds who are so used to process foods, but getting the kids to understand the impact choosing locally grown fruits and vegetables may put us on the right path to battle obesity in America. An epidemic that is only fueled by the “low fat” moniker attached to so much processed junk.
This might be a first step in getting the president involved in a revamping of the national mindset when it comes to industrial food. The president has been lobbied relentlessly on the issue, with no indication that he’s really listening. Such an act by the First Lady is a very small victory, but it is an indication that the issue is important to the Obama’s.
In an interview in her office Michelle Obama said, “A real delicious heirloom tomato is one of the sweetest things that you’ll ever eat. And my children know the difference, and that’s how I’ve been able to get them to try different things.” Pointing out that it’s all about taste, and locally grown organic produce just offers the depth of flavor people look for. Especially children, who are the most likely to go for highly flavored and sweetened foods like candy.
