Spring into Gardening Season with the White House Kitchen Garden
Yesterday, the First Lady was joined by students from across the country to plant the seventh annual White House Kitchen Garden. Mrs. Obama first planted the garden in 2009 to initiate a conversation about the health and wellbeing of our country, which then evolved into the Let’s Move! initiative. This year, as we mark the fifth anniversary of Let’s Move!, we’re celebrating the progress that’s been achieved over the years and challenging ourselves to do even more on behalf of our nation’s kids.
Since launching in 2010, ten programs have begun under Let’s Move!. Mrs. Obama invited children from schools and organizations that participate in these programs—representing the millions of Americans that have been impacted by Let’s Move!—to join her at this year’s planting.
These programs were launched in collaboration with federal agencies, businesses, and non-profits to mobilize every sector to work in alignment with the overall goals of Let’s Move! and offer solutions, objectives, and technical assistance to help kids and families lead healthier lives.
First Lady Michelle Obama joins students for the spring garden planting in the White House Kitchen Garden, April 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
As part of the fifth anniversary of Let’s Move!, Mrs. Obama announced a new interactive online map that will showcase the reach of these Let’s Move! programs across the nation and make it easier to get involved in local efforts. Be sure to check out this exciting new tool to find out what’s going on near you and to help bring Let’s Move! to your community!
The First Lady also brought the #GimmeFive challenge to the garden! She and the children planted five vegetables including spinach, bok choy, broccoli, lettuce, and radish seeds, and Mrs. Obama encouraged participants as well as families, schools, and communities across the country to plant the five vegetables in their own gardens or their local community gardens.
Take part in the #GimmeFive garden challenge by planting these veggies or five other new veggies and share on social media using #GimmeFive as you plant your garden and watch it grow! We’ll be sharing updates of the veggies growing in the White House Kitchen Garden too.
In case you missed it, watch as the First Lady and kids plant the White House Kitchen Garden: