White House Farmers Market
First Lady Michelle Obama gave an inspiring speech at the opening of the White House Farmers Market and Twilight Earth was there! Enjoy the photos.
It was an overcast and dreary day in Washington DC as I stepped out of my office and crossed Pennsylvania Ave to Freedom Plaza. But the mist felt good and I was looking forward to walking the three or four blocks to Lafayette Park, where the White House Farmers Market was set up.
After giving up my cell phone, keys and umbrella to members of the Secret Service so that I could walk through the metal detectors, I made my way to a small tent where First Lady Michelle Obama was going to kick off the Farmers Market.
First Lady Michelle Obama Speaking
But prior to Michelle Speaking, the small crowd of about 300 people got the opportunity to listen to the Secretary of Agriculture, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and a Maryland Farmer talk about the importance of healthy and locally grown foods in a society that is too often plagued with busy parents, rising rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Michelle’s speech was great, and as she stepped to the Microphone, the small crowd cheered. With a big smile, she said “I have never in my life, seen so many people, so excited about vegetables!”
Department of Agriculture Info Tent
Michelle went on to talk about the downtown DC corridor. An area where thousands of Government Employees work every day. The area between the Capitol and the White house is dotted with Metro train stations, Metro buses, taxi cabs, restaurants, hot dog stands, government buildings, cement, limestone and marble in every direction. Most of the people who work in this area commute to work from places as far away a Baltimore and West Virginia. Eating healthy and locally grown food, while living this lifestyle is difficult at best.
The White House Farmers Market will offer the opportunity to purchase healthy food while getting on or off the Metro or before heading home to make dinner.
Michelle said, “I know what it’s like. Before Barack and I moved into the White House, we lived in Chicago. We have to young girls, and for a long time, the easiest thing to do, when our schedual was full, was to give them fast food.” She went on to explain how we all need to make smart and healthy choices, and that this farmers market will not only help the workers of Washington DC do that, but will show the world that locally grown, sustainable food is something that should be made available everywhere.
Local Farmer CedarBrook Farms
After the speeches closed, the assemble crowd mingled amongst the vendors. This first day of the Farmers Market was a bit cramped, security was tight, people had to wait in line to get in, but it will run every Thursday afternoon through the end of October and future visits will be much more laid back.
Not only was I glad to see so many local farmers represented, but I was happy to see that most of them were using organic and sustainable farming practices. Something that is just as important as trying to buy local.
Contrary to popular belief, most Government workers don’t make a lot of money. (That’s why most of them live outside the beltway and commute to work) So I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Farmers Market accepts Government Assistance WIC and CFSP checks.
I’m looking forward to visiting the White House Farmers Market on Thursdays, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to attend its opening, and share it with you.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
How exciting that you were able to be there. Overall though I’d rather be in Kansas – wide open spaces, lots of farms, and farmers markets too!
I think it’s great that our First Lady got this going. We all need fresh food – straight from the garden or farm is best
Alison,
Overall, I’d rather be n Kansas too! But we are where we are because that is where our stories have led us. I do like DC though too, and having farmers markets available is a nice bonus.
I would like to see more organic fruits and veggies in my Farmers Market. I live in Highwood Ill…and I think I would spend alot more money there if there was organic farmers there.I think the Farmer market in Highwood ill needs a little more help, its the same thing “Boring”!
Hello,
I would like to let you know that this market only has 3 certified organic growers out of 18 vendors. Unfortunately, people think that because produce is local it is also organic!
Nice story. We need more of this in cities like Detroit where the supermarket chains have all fled.
Kudos to Michele Obama for her efforts.
Paulo,
Thanks for your comment. I’m familiar with Detroit. I’m originally from the West side of the state but have been to Detroit for business. Selfridge, 8 mile…. The great thing about Farmers Markets is that they also help build a sense of community.
Wow! I feel like I was there with you. Thank you for taking me there with your awesome pictures.
Missy
P.S. The veggies in the pics above look delish!
Thanks Missy. It was really cool being able to just walk to the market, right in the middle of the city, during my lunch hour.
I tried to make an appearance but I stood in line in the rain for half an hour and couldn’t get it – security was a little tight, needless to say. Couple questions: it seemed to me, from the outside, that a lot of people were expressing concerns that (as previously commented) very little of the produce was organic. Additionally, people in line were confused as to what role the First Lady actually played – did she merely attend or was this initiative an idea of hers? I was of the understanding that she had nothing to do with the market’s organization. Anyone have more concrete info?
Hi Robb,
It’s my understanding that the First Lady had no “Official” role in the creation of the market. That being said, she was instrumental in the creation of the White House Garden and is a big advocate of proper nutrition in schools, farmers markets and local farmers. I’m sure she helped with a little “un-official nudge” in the right direction. It was also an opportunity for the Secretary of Agriculture to talk about grant money for farmers markets et. al.