In 1918, Woodrow and Edith Wilson invited a some special guests to the White House- a small flock of sheep responsible for keeping the “First Lawn” trimmed and neat. In return they provided wool and mutton. Neat idea, and part of a long history of small-scale agriculture at the White House. In fact, there used to be a greenhouse where the West Wing now stands. Eat the View is organizing people to encourage the next president to plant a food garden on the White House Lawn. Here’s their petition (sign it here):

We, the undersigned, are petitioning the next President of the United States to plant an organic  food garden or “Victory Garden” on the White House lawn, with part of produce going to the White House kitchen and the rest to local food pantries. The White House is “America’s House” and should set a positive example for the country and the world. The new President would not be breaking with tradition, but returning to it (the White House has had fruit and vegetable gardens before) and showing how we can meet global challenges such as climate change, food security, and energy independence.

“Eat the View” is a campaign to plant healthy, edible landscapes in high-impact, high visibility places, whether it’s the “First Lawn” or the lawn in front of your child’s school.

“Eat the View” is coordinated by Kitchen Gardeners International, a Maine-based 501c3 nonprofit network of 10,000 gardeners from 100 countries who are inspiring and teaching more people to grow some of their own food. Roger Doiron, pictured below, is the founder of the organization and a great local hero here in Maine.