The First Garden

By Sydney Kamlager

Some time ago, Bill Moyers had a segment on food, food access for the poor, sustainable agriculture in urban areas and our future. Towards the end of the program, he asked his guest his thoughts on the first family and their platforms around food. The guest said he hoped that they would plant an edible garden on the lawn of the White House. He said they surely had the space and revisioning that kind of green space would say so much for the people of DC and around the world about how they view food. He also said that he doubted that dream would become a reality.

Fast forward a few months. First lady Michelle Obama is holding a press conference surrounded by local children, and tubs of herbs and vegetables.  She has brought them to the White House to help her transform a plot of land on the lawn of the White House into the White House garden. She says the foods planted in the garden will be used to feed the first family as well as others who come to the White House.

Now, I don’t have the best green thumb. In fact, my thumb is pretty brown. But as I watched the media replay this event on the many news channels, I could not help but think back to that segment I saw on Bill Moyers. And how once again, this family truly “gets it.”

In the scheme of things, a garden is small potatoes. But this act speaks volumes to how this family views health, sustainability, child nutrition, family values, waste, privilege, access, and responsible environmental living.  Have food shipped in from all parts of the world, or grow your own. Waste your food allowance on things you may not eat and discard or grow your own. Have acres of green usable empty space or grow your own. Live the life of luxury in a gilded cage or try to be a normal family and grow your own.

What a small step they took when they decided to create an edible garden. What a monumental message they are sending about family, community, and environmental responsibility. Here here Obamas, here here.