The first lady of the United States has a lot on her plate. But for now, she’s worrying about what’s on yours.

Michelle Obama recently served lunch at a soup kitchen and emphasized the importance of eating healthy foods.

“You know, we want to make sure our guests here and across the nation are eating nutritious items,” she said.

She volunteered at Miriam’s Kitchen, a drop-in center serving the homeless in Washington. The center specializes in the use of organic and locally grown foods. It also avoids processed foods and ensures all dishes are homemade.

White House officials said a focus on healthy living will be an important part of the first lady’s agenda.

During a recent visit to the USDA, Obama praised the actions of agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack, who jackhammered out a parking lot at the Agriculture Department to plant a garden. The vegetables and fruits grown there will be donated to soup kitchens in the area.

“I’m a big believer in community gardens both because of their beauty and for providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables to so many communities across the nation and the world,” she said.

The first lady is spreading her message about healthy eating in magazine interviews.

In People magazine Michelle and Barack Obama discussed their decision to ban juice boxes and processed foods from their daughters’ diets.

“A couple of years ago — you’d never know it by looking at her now — Malia was getting a little chubby,” President Obama said.

That was when they made the decision.

“Her doctor … suggested we look at her diet,” Michelle Obama said. “So we cut juice boxes, sweets and processed foods.”

Obesity in America is an increasing problem, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The center reported 34 percent of U.S. adults 20 years and older are obese. However, the problem is especially disconcerting when it comes to children.

In a news release, Dr. Tamara Lewis, Intermountain Healthcare director of Community Health, said family support is critical in correcting the problem.

“We believe the most productive and effective way to approach the crisis of childhood obesity is for families to support each other and encourage good nutrition and increased activity for every member of the family,” Lewis said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 12 Mar 2009