You know it’s a good sign for the country, children in particular and healthy eating in general when you see the first lady planting a vegetable garden. That’s right, an organic vegetable garden on the lawn of the White House that will feed the first family and be used for formal dinners.

That’s exactly what I happily read about on Sunday morning on the front page of the New York Times business section in the article, ”Is a Food Revolution Now in Season?” It seems that the time is ripe for healthy, locally grown food to become front and center on Michelle Obama’s agenda (both personally and politically) and it couldn’t come at a better time.

Mrs. Obama is committed to both feeding her own family the healthiest of food, but also embracing the notion that we need to take a stand for feeding people higher quality food, especially growing children. She knows far too well the impact of obesity in this country and how children, especially children without access to fresh foods, are suffering the consequences of a nutrient-deficient diet. And she knows that eating fresh fruits and vegetables goes a long way toward boosting the immune system, managing weight and fortifying all of us against a host of diseases.

Not only will the entire family be involved in planting and tending the garden, but students from a local elementary school will also have a role in taking care of the garden and helping it grow.  I love that idea because it’s a powerful way for us to get more connected to our food, increase our appreciation for it and really understand what we’re putting into our bodies and why it’s good for us.

And you know what? If she can do it, any of us can learn to embrace and practice growing our own food too.

I see her actions as inspiration for myself and others.  I personally don’t have room for a garden as I’m a city dweller living in a condo but last year I got inspired to start growing vegetables in big pots in the small grassy area in our “backyard.”  I bought organic seedlings for about 1.50 each – tomatoes, kale and collards. I not only had the fun of seeing the food grow but I had the satisfaction of: 1) knowing my food wasn’t sprayed with pesticides, 2) knowing where it was coming from, 3) seeing the power of creating something of my own, 4) sharing the bounty with family and friends, and 5) having the pleasure of creating some delicious meals.  All that from spending less than 10.00 on seedlings. Now that is powerful. That is healthy. That is taking a stand for my health.

The Obamas are setting a great example of what’s possible. What can you do to eat more healthy, locally grown food? What possibilities exist for you to grow some of your own food this year, even in a sample way like I do? Do tell!

Filed under: Gardening, Healthy Meals, Organic food