Lakewood Ranch elementary students invited to White House

Michelle Obama invited five B.D. Gullet Elementary students to help plant a vegetable garden on the White House lawn Thursday, April 4.

Gullet, which is only one of four schools chosen nationwide, was chosen for its commitment to offering students healthy foods and promoting exercise.

The fifth annual White House garden planting is part of the first lady's Let's Move! campaign to increase awareness of healthy eating habits and exercise in an effort to end childhood obesity.

Obama invited students from schools making improvements to school lunches.

The White House said 28 of Manatee County's elementary schools have received HealthierUS Schools Challenge awards for offering salad entrees daily, whole grain wraps and other healthy options.