Giving Thanks

Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images

The Os got a headstart on Thanksgiving today, handing out food at the Martha's Table food pantry in Washington, DC. Many will recognize Mrs. O's turquoise top and vest; they are piece by Rick Owens, first worn in Paris this summer.

Today the first lady also released her Thanksgiving greeting, which we'll share below:

Tomorrow, many of us will gather around the table with family and friends to give thanks over a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy -- and let’s not forget pumpkin pie!

But for some in this country, the feast will not be as bountiful.  In fact, it won’t be much of a feast at all.  Hunger is on the rise in America -- hitting its highest levels in nearly 15 years.  A recent report released by the USDA reveals that in 2008 an estimated 1.1 million children were living in households that experienced hunger multiple times over the past year.

To combat hunger this winter, we’re launching, in coordination with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United We Serve: Feed a Neighbor

Barack and I are committed to doing all we can to end hunger by making food programs more accessible to eligible families.  But government can only do so much -- it will take all of us working together to put an end to hunger in America. initiative -- a program that empowers you with all the resources you need to mobilize against the hunger crisis in your community.  Learn how you can get started today:

That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to get involved at Serve.gov. Find local volunteer opportunities like delivering meals to homebound seniors, offering your professional skills at a food pantry, or planting a community garden and sharing produce with your neighbors.  You can also create your own volunteer opportunity using our anti-hunger toolkit.

This holiday season let’s recommit to serving our communities and working together to feed American families.  Get started giving back today.

Thank you,

Michelle

First Lady Michelle Obama
The White House

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We appreciate everyone who makes this blog such a delight.

Scenes from the Weekend (Updated)

 

Photo by Mandel Ngan / Getty Images

The Os made several stops out west this weekend as part of a working vacation for the president. Saturday brought a visit to Old Faithful Geyser at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Mrs. O wore an ensemble quite similar to that sported in Paris, reintroducing her Rick Owen Lillies vest.

 Photo by Mandel Ngan / Getty Images

Landing in Arizona, Mrs. O debuted a new summer dress, paired with a Sacai belt. We have an idea about the dress, but want to confirm details first...

UPDATE: Thanks to those who contributed fabulous tips in the comments section. We have confirmed that Mrs. O's dress is in fact Merona from Target. It is from a past collection and no longer in stores. Another major moment for democratic fashion - hooray!

Mrs. O at the Eiffel Tower

Photo by Miguel Medina /AFP/Getty Images

We love Mrs. O's Parisian-chic look. The first lady wears soft green vest and shirt, paired with a floral scarf as she and the O entourage tour the Eiffel Tour in Paris.

Update: We've learned that Mrs. O is wearing  a Prova scarf and Rick Owens Lilies vest and shirt. Click here to see the pieces in greater detail. Of note, Rick Owens in an American-born designer, who resides in Paris.

For shoes, the first lady is once again wearing her snazzy Lanvin sneakers. For a full-length look at this fabulous ensemble, shoes included, click here.

Continue reading after the jump for a detailed image of a similar style of Prova scarf. The line is carried at Ikram in Chicago. Such excitement!