The Food Network’s hugely popular show Iron Chef taped a special episode using produce from the White House garden to help promote local and organic food. The competing teams will feature Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse vs. Bobby Flay and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford.

The episode will also feature Mrs. Obama discussing her crusade to reduce childhood obesity through better school lunches, community gardens, farmers’ markets and exercise.

The New York Times reports that Camille Johnston, Mrs. Obama’s communications director, was eager to be part of “Iron Chef” in hoping to reach people that wouldn’t have ever known about Mrs. Obama’s efforts. Each episode of “Iron Chef America” is seen by almost 1.5 million viewers, and its core audience is 25- to 54-year-olds, publicists for the show say.

Mario Batali (not a man know for his healthy cooking) told the NY Times:
“What’s exciting for us is this is the first time I can remember the White House taking an active interest in doing something about diet and health. They understand this kind of P.R. If we don’t do something about how kids eat soon, it will be simply the largest problem facing this country.”

The Iron Chef “Super Chef Special” two-hour episode will premiere Jan. 3 on the Food Network.

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