Model garden on the National Mall.

 

An open letter in honor of the groundbreaking for an organic vegetable garden at The White House

 

Dear friends and farmers,

 

This past Friday, on the first day of spring, First Lady Michelle Obama broke ground for an organic vegetable garden on the White House Lawn. She could have done this with anyone: the First Lady brought along 26 fifth graders. Michelle Obama knows the important role school gardens have in educating our nation’s children about healthy, locally grown food.

 

On Friday, they removed sod. Whether it’s done with a plow, or a sod-cutter, or a shovel and biceps, removing sod is hard work. It’s the first step of removing lawn to make a garden. It was the first step in settling the vast prairie. It was also the first step in establishing the Yale Farm six years ago. I did it at my own home just two years ago for my own garden. I hope you’ll consider joining the growing number of Americans who are pulling up lawn and planting seeds.

 

In 2005, our Yale Farm interns helped build a model garden on the National Mall as part of the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. That garden was, as the White House Kitchen garden now will be, a powerful symbol for the nation. These gardens are a reminder that the health of our nation is built on good soil, hard work, and real food.

 

Many of you worked to make this garden happen. Thank you.

 

It’s spring. It’s a time of planning and of projects. It is also a time of hope and optimism. I want you to know that even as schools across the nation face budget cuts, I am hearing more and more requests for school gardens. Though corporations and non-profits are tightening their belts, I am seeing an increased demand from employers for young people who can help our nation build a sound food system. And I hear from more and more Yale undergraduates who are committing themselves to this work. Let’s keep on growing. It’s spring.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Melina