From a chilly corner of Maine, Doiron's plot yielded $2,100 worth of produce from 35 different crops last year, he reported.
The message is that even in these difficult economic times, when families are struggling financially and psychologically, there are creative ways to put healthful food on the table, he said.
"Even if families can start with something small this season, they're going to come away feeling empowered," Doiron said. "There are things that we can do, even though we feel like we are up against incredible odds."
Waters said she was especially pleased that at the White House garden's groundbreaking, Michelle Obama would be surrounded by children.
As a founder of the Edible Schoolyard, a program in Berkeley and New Orleans to integrate organic gardens into schools, Waters wants all children to learn that vegetables and fruit come from the ground, not a store.
"If we make a beautiful place that children can walk through on tours of the White House, we can broadcast that message around the world," Waters said. "It's such a beautiful picture. It's confirming and affirming their interest in the garden."
--
rcole@tribune.com
