Part of the White House lawn is being converted into a vegetable garden.

First Lady Michelle Obama will be on hand for the Friday midday groundbreaking, along with students from a local elementary school. The Bancroft Elementary students have had their own school garden for several years. The White House kitchen garden's planting will take place "in the coming weeks," the first lady's office says, and harvesting on a rolling basis.

The first lady has spoken publicly of her own efforts to make her family's diet healthy, and wants to promote the inclusion of fresh, locally grown produce in the diets of people at all economic levels. She also has admitted daughters Sasha and Malia don't always like to eat their vegetables; Sasha in particular has issues with creamed spinach.

There will be plenty more for the girls to try now. Per spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld, the southeast exposure garden will include bee hives for honey and seeds for 55 different vegetables, fruits and herbs. White House staff and the Obama family will be involved in the watering, weeding and picking.