This week I breathed the same air as First Lady Michelle Obama.
(Cue jumping up and down.)
Yes, the First Lady of the United States! At the White House! I have photographic proof. Big thanks to the folks at Babble for the invite.
AND the FLOTUS’ social media team retweeted me.
I can’t believe I’ve been to the White House twice now. Pinch me.
Me and a couple of hundred parenting bloggers spent the morning at the White House to learn about Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative. Let’s Move! is dedicated to helping kids and families lead healthier lives.
While our country’s obesity statistics look grim, the initiative’s multi-faceted approach is changing how our children eat. President and Mrs. Obama have created programs that are free or low cost–even offering grants for school gardens. I was especially glad to learn there’s focus on reaching young kids in order to teach them healthy habits early. By reaching kids, we reach the parents too.
Here’s the highlights, including how you can get involved
Let’s Move! Outside
Let’s Move! Outside was created to encourage kids and their families to explore the outdoors, including our community parks.
Part of this is the Every Kid in a Park initiative. This allows every 4th grader and their families a free one year pass to all 2,000 federally managed lands and waters. That includes national parks such as Yellowstone National Park and Redwoods National Park. Hurry, the pass for 2015-16 4th graders expire August, 31, 2016. Road trip anyone?
Kohlrabi from White House Kitchen Garden
Farm to School Grants
Kids are more inclined to eat food when they’re involved in the growing and cooking process. I encourage my kids help pick out their fave fruits and veggies when we go to the grocery store. They also help in the kitchen. When we have space, I’m starting a family garden.
To encourage more schools to start gardens, Let’s Move! has partnered with the USDA to offer the Farm to School Grant Program for schools who want to start their own gardens. The site also offers lots of technical help and gardening guides. Much needed for people like me, who are not good with plants.
The fountain was colored green for St. Patrick’s Day
Kids State Dinner
Does your child want to win a trip to the White House? Well, kids ages 8-12 (with the help of a parent or guardian) can enter an original recipe that is healthy, affordable, and delicious. One winner from each state will be chosen to attend the 2016 Kids’ State Dinner where a selection of winning recipes will be served.
How awesome is that?! Sophia is plans to enter. Read the rules and enter by April 4, 2016.
White House Kitchen Garden
There’s much more to share with you but I don’t want to overwhelm you with all the fun and exciting things we learned. So let’s finish today’s post with more photos from the White House Kitchen Garden. It was a gloomy day and the garden hasn’t been completely planted since it’s been chilly here. But I managed to get a few good shots.
Here’s one of the smaller beehives in the White House Kitchen Garden. And yes, that’s the Washington Monument in the background.
Here’s one of the White House Kitchen Garden bees in action. The kitchen actually uses the bees’ honey to cook with and brew beer. From the garden straight to the White House Kitchen.
Love this Thomas Jefferson quote next to the main set of beehives.
While our family does grow our own food or raise our own animals, we continually discuss where our food comes from. It’s important for my kids to learn so they can appreciate all the that goes into growing good food for us to eat.