Ever since First Lady Michelle Obama talked about the advantages of fresh, local produce, she has been a ready reference for quality, healthy eating. When she helped plant The White House vegetable garden, others were inspired to consider planting their own produce plot. Now, in bringing the springtime efforts into a full seasonal circle, she visited the latest FreshFarm Market, literally across the street from The White House.

Sure there was plenty of advance discussion about traffic backups for the Thursday Market (operating until the end of October), but when it officially opened yesterday, there was little grousing and a lot of excitement. As for conversations about expensive produce, FreshFarm managed to recieve help from the Wholesome Wave Foundation to double the coupon value for those using food stamps. Well done.

As First Lady Obama opened the Market, she was graced with a lei of marigolds which she proudly wore as she shopped many of the names recognizable to us in the Piedmont: The Farm at Sunnyside, Endless Summer Harvest, Wollam Gardens, and Everona Dairy. (The Washington Post should run a correction on that last purveyor as they incorrectly idendified the fine Piedmont Cheese as coming from Everson Dairy!) Hmm.

Once again Virginia farmers shine. This time their produce light is a little closer to The First Family.

Everyone benefits.