After hearing from many thousands of caring citizens across the United States, including members of Farm Sanctuary, the Obamas decided to grow an organic garden at the White House. According to the New York Times, “While the organic garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, it’s most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at time when obesity has become a national concern.” 

Our country’s health has deteriorated as industrial animal farming has spread. For the first time in U.S. history, this generation of children is expected to die younger than their parents. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and the first family’s positive example could help turn things around. When Franklyn and Eleanor Roosevelt planted a White House garden, it helped inspire Victory Gardens across the U.S. Let’s hope the Obama’s garden will do the same. 

Our food system has profound consequences for animals, the earth, and our own health, and tragically, we have been eating our way to death and destruction by ingesting products of violence, gluttony and injustice. Hopefully, the seeds of the White House organic garden will blossom and grow in communities across the country and people will be inspired to reconnect with the earth and grow healthful foods that help to nourish mind, body and soul.