Photo credit: Associated Press

First lady Michelle Obama bought cheese and chocolate milk at the launch of a new farmers' market blocks from the White House Thursday afternoon.

"I've never seen so many people so excited about fruits and vegetables!" she said to a crowd of about 300 shoppers.

Before shopping, Mrs. Obama spoke about the importance of healthy eating, which she said gives people the energy to get through the day, according to the Associated Press.

Mrs. Obama encouraged Americans to get to know the people who grow their food. And she said that farmers markets are especially important in neighborhoods where access to healthy options are limited.

"A farmers market is not just about vegetables, it's about community," Mrs. Obama said.

It was a perfect forum for the first lady, who has been speaking out for healthy eating since planting the White House vegetable garden in the spring.

Behind her in the picture above is long-time Obama chef and White House assistant executive chef Sam Kass, who made a presentation to a couple of neighborhood groups to get their support for the market. Kass has been Mrs. Obama's right-hand man in her healthy eating initiative.