Thursday, August 6, 2009

Meatless Mondays at the White House

This spring, First Lady Michelle Obama planted the first organic veggie garden at the White House since the days of Eleanor Roosevelt's Victory Garden. Nearly 60 varieties of plants have been incorporated into the 1,100 square foot plot, and food has already been harvested by local schools and community groups.

“I wanted to be able to bring what I learned to a broader base of people," Mrs. Obama said. "And what better way to do it than to plant a vegetable garden in the South Lawn of the White House?”
The Obamas will feed their love of Mexican food with cilantro, tomatillos and hot peppers. Lettuces include red romaine, green oak leaf, butterhead, red leaf and galactic. There's also spinach, chard, collards and black kale. For dessert, a patch of berries has been planted. And herbs will include some more unusual varieties, like anise hyssop and Thai basil.

Now. . . with all that produce available for the First Family and the White House kitchen, it would only seem logical to make eating veggies a regular part of the White House menu. Mrs. Obama advises that “by eliminating processed food, trying to cook a meal a little more often, trying to incorporate more fruits and vegetables,” one can live more healthfully. I couldn't agree more!

But may I also suggest, Meatless Mondays? I'd be happy to help with the menu. How about a raw vegan spread of Sunflower Seed Pate in Romaine Lettuce Leaf Tacos, Mexican Mole, and Strawberry Salsa with Cilantro Vinaigrette.


Join the movement, and spread the word. And let the First Family know you'd like to see Meatless Mondays on the Menu at The White House by submitting your comment here.