Live Updates: Michelle Obama, Rachael Ray to Visit Parklawn Elementary Wednesday

First Lady Michelle Obama, celebrity chef Rachael Ray and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are visiting Parklawn Elementary School today to talk about the federal government's new guidelines for healthy school lunches. Obama and Vilsack will eat lunch with students after speaking to parents and teachers, and Ray will be in the kitchen at the school.

The following are live updates from the event this morning:

Update - Noon Wednesday

First lady Michelle Obama has left the library at Parklawn Elementary School and is heading to the cafeteria to eat lunch with students.

We'll have a full story later on this afternoon.

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Update - 11:38 a.m. Wednesday

First lady Michelle Obama has arrived at the school and is addressing the press now. She'll head to the cafeteria to each lunch with students in just a few minutes.

When she arrived, she told her audience that she was hungry and really looking forward to lunch. The menu is below.

Regarding making school lunches healthier, Obama said, "It takes effort. It takes imagination. It takes a commitment to our children's future.... If we embrace it, our kids will embrace it."

Update - 11:12 a.m. Wednesday

The menu for today's lunch with celebrity chef Rachael Ray, first lady Michelle Obama and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack:

Tacos with ground turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, Mexican brown rice and whole grain flat bread.

Black Bean and corn salad

Mixed fresh fruit (seasonal fruits)

Milk (lowfat or skim)

"The feaured menu uses an innovative recipe from author and daytime host Rachael Ray for ground turkey tacos, mexican brown rice and black bean and corn salad.... Together, the meal components create a healthy, tasty, nutritious Southwest meal while emphasizing key points of the new meal pattern," according to the menu handout.

Update - 11:01 a.m. Wednesday

Fairfax County School board representatives, parents and school administrators gathered in the the library of the Parklawn Elementary School this morning.

"I think we're all looking forward to a conversation on how we can improve these foods. Most of us do have a concern that a lot of our food is prepackaged and I think we we will be addressing this issue later this year," said Ryan McElveen, Fairfax County School Board At-Large representative.

Megan McLaughlin, Braddock District representative, said, "I'm really proud of the fact that our community spoke up and raised this issue with the School Board. To have Mrs. Obama address this, I hope it will provide the School Board with an opportunity to really on this issue. I truly believe this is a positive change for the kids."

Ray is already at the school. Obama is expected to arrive at the school around 11:30 a.m.

Update - 10:54 a.m. Wednesday

Fairfax County School Board Mason District representative Sandy Evans said at this morning's press conference at Parklawn Elementary School, "I applaud [Obama] for taking on the childhood obesity effort.

Evans referenced the efforts of Fairfax County Public Schools officials own efforts to put more emphasis on healthy meals into schools, encourage exercise and discuss the importance of good sleeping habits.

"I would love for Mrs. Obama to learn more about that and the impact of the need for sleep in the anti-obesity effort," Evans said.

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Original Story published the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2010:

Michelle Obama, Rachael Ray to Visit Parklawn Elementary Wednesday

First Lady Michelle Obama will return to the Annandale area tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 25 to unveil the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new nutrition standards for school lunches at Parklawn Elementary School. Obama will be joined by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and celebrity chef and television host Rachael Ray.

The event is part of Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative. According to a release by the White House, this is the first time in 15 years the USDA is changing the guidelines. The new standards will include more emphasis on fruits and vegetables with every meal, adding more whole grain-rich foods, better portion sizes for each meal, and serving only fat-free or low-fat milk options.

Following their remarks to parents, Obama and Vilsack will dine with students in the school cafeteria where Ray and the Parklawn food service staff will prepare a meal that meets the new nutritional standards. Parklawn was previously recognized by the USDA with a silver award for their HealthierUs School Challenge.

Obama recently paid a visit to another Fairfax County school when she earlier this month.

Be sure to check Annandale Patch on Wednesday afternoon for our coverage.

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