美国名厨艾丽丝•沃特斯表示希望奥巴马入主白宫之后能够促进美国国内健康饮食观念以及对本地食品作物的支持。现年64岁的沃特斯一直主张食用味道可口、未经精加工、品质新鲜和种植方式不破坏环境的食品。奥巴马就职典礼前夜，沃特斯和其他几位美国名厨将会在一个名为“美国餐桌新起点”的活动中亲自下厨为华盛顿汤厨房和农产品市场筹款。

Alice Waters, one of America's most famous chefs, expects the new administration in the White House to promote healthy eating and renew efforts to support locally grown foods.

The 64-year-old chef said she has been heartened by signs from Michelle Obama, who has relayed her husband's concerns about childhood obesity¹ and sustainable farming.

"I've spoken to him through his wife. I'm encouraged," said Waters, who founded the renowned² Chez Panisse restaurant in California which resulted from her passion for fresh, local ingredients.

Although Barack and Michelle Obama announced that they have decided³ to stick with the current White House chef, Cristeta Comerford, Waters has been a vocal⁴ supporter for a garden to grow organic fruits and vegetables at the White House.

She said it makes sense to improve the quality of food served in schools and to support local farmers.

"We have the moral responsibility to see what's good for our children," Waters said, adding that if local farmers become key sources of ingredients to make school lunches it will stimulate⁵ local economies.

On the eve of Obama's inauguration⁶ as the 44th president of the United States, Waters and other celebrity⁷ chefs including Dan Barber and Rick Bayless will cook dinners to raise money for Washington's soup kitchens and farmers markets in an event billed as "a new beginning for the American table."

"This is the table we want to sit at," Waters said. "It's a delicious way to speak about food and nature."

The event features family dinners for 20 to 30 guests, who paid $500 each, in the homes of Washington luminaries⁸ such as chef Jose Andres and journalist Bob Woodward.

Waters will oversee⁹ a meal for about 170 people at the Phillips Collection Museum. The meal, which will showcase locally grown shellfish, cheeses, meats and produce, will put the spotlight¹⁰ on "sustainability through pleasure."