September 17, 2009, 6:26 pm — Updated: 1:02 am -->At a New Farmer’s Market, First Lady Picks Up Eggs, Chocolate Milk and Vegetables
By Rachel L. Swarns
Undeterred by a steady drizzle and cheered on by hundreds of (hungry?) onlookers, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated the opening of a new farmers market near the White House on Thursday.
It was part of her ongoing effort to encourage Americans to eat healthier, fresher foods. So she urged the public to peruse the fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, locally-raised meats and baked goods being sold by local farmers on Vermont Avenue Northwest between H and I Streets.
“In this society today, sometimes it’s hard to make regular meals, healthy meals a part of everyone’s existence,’’ Mrs. Obama said. “This is one of the reasons why I’m so supportive of farmers’ markets.
“For those of us who are battling the time crunch and those for us whom access to fresh food is an issue in our neighborhoods, farmers’ markets are a really important, valuable resource that we have to support,’’ she said.
Mrs. Obama said that her experiences raising two daughters had inspired her to focus on the issue.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press “Farmers’ markets are a really important, valuable resource that we have to support,’’ Mrs. Obama said.
“I’ve learned that when my family eats fresh food, healthy food, that it really affects how we feel, how we get through the day, and that’s whether we’re trying to get through math homework or whether there’s a Cabinet meeting or whether we’re just walking the dog,’’ Mrs. Obama said.
The market will be open on Thursdays from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29. Farmer’s market executives said that White House garden goodies will not be on sale.
But not to worry — Mrs. Obama made a point of giving the new venture her personal stamp of approval.
After giving her remarks, the first lady grabbed a straw basket and did some shopping, picking up some black kale, eggs, cherry tomatoes, mixed hot pepper, pears, fingerling potatoes, cheese and chocolate milk to bring back to the White House.
Maybe some kale on your dinner plate tonight, Mr. President?
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