First lady Michelle Obama presided over the first day of the new White House farmers market on Thursday afternoon, speaking to an energetic, enthusiastic crowd despite the dreary weather.

“I have never seen so many people so excited about fruits and vegetables,” Obama said as she greeted the crowd.

Amid cheers, Obama reiterated her commitment to encouraging Americans to live healthier and eat better.

“For those of us who are battling the time crunch and for those of us whom access to fresh food is an issue in our neighborhoods, farmers’ markets are a really important, valuable resource that we have to support,” Obama said.

Security to enter the market while Obama was there was tight, and the Secret Service shut down additional streets in the area until the first lady made her exit.

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty was also on hand to open the market, the fifth FRESHFARM-operated market inside the District.

Among the goodies on offer at Thursday’s market were bread and pastries from West Virginia’s Quail Creek Farm, fresh greens from Endless Summer in Purcellevillle, meats from Cedarbrook Farm, dairy from Clear Spring Creamery in Maryland, and soaps and other products from Welsh Gardens Lavender Farm in Warrenton.