Light rain and dark skies on June 12 didn’t keep the students of Manor Park Public School from joining Vicki Heyman, wife of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, from planting the vegetable garden and learning about the importance of healthy eating at their residence, Lornado.
The children learned about gardening from the residence’s horticulturalist. Mrs. Heyman told them about the First Lady’s vegetable garden at the White House, which inspired the activity. They enjoyed yummy — and healthy! — treats. Mrs. Heyman and the students had lots of fun getting into the dirt, planting cabbage, tomatoes, and other plants in the vegetable garden.
“It’s so important for kids to learn early the value of fresh food and eating well in building a healthy life,” said Mrs. Heyman. “Kids who eat well do better in school, in sport, and it really builds a foundation for their future.”
The same day that Ottawa students were getting their hands dirty in Ottawa, First Lady Michelle Obama was welcoming students to a White House Harvest Event, where they not only helped her plant in the garden, but got to taste vegetables that have grown there.
