As people head into the wilderness, they needn't leave good food behind. Jeremy Hutson, who divides his time between St. Paul and Grand Marais, Minn., has written "Backcountry Cuisine: Pack and Go Recipes for Camping" ($15.99, Tate). Many of the recipes in the 68-page book use a double-boiler technique he learned a decade ago in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This enables hungry paddlers or backpackers to prepare tastier meals than you might think, such as Berry Ricotta Pizza, Cornbread Sausage Bake, Tea-Infused Mashed Potatoes. Hutson also has tips for food prep and essential utensils.

Get kids moving Valley Natural Foods in Burnsville is sponsoring a 5-2-1-0 challenge for young shoppers to reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The program, through July 20, asks kids to do four simple things each day: eat five fruits or vegetables, limit screen time to two hours (TV, computers, video games, etc.), get one hour or more of physical activity and drink zero sugar-sweetened beverages. In addition, there are free activities that emphasize healthy habits, although registration is necessary 32 hours in advance by calling customer service at 952-891-1212, ext. 221, or online: www.eventbee.com/v/valleynaturalfoods/boxoffice. Look online for more detailed descriptions of each event.

Calling all eggheads Eggland's Best, a brand of eggs, is hosting its first contest and the top prize is $10,000. "Your Best Recipe" contest asks at-home chefs to submit their best original recipe featuring at least two EB eggs. A $1,000 prize will be awarded for breakfast, appetizer, main course and dessert categories. The most creative use of Eggland's Best eggs will be awarded the grand prize. Entry deadline is Aug. 12. For all the details, visit www.egglandsbest.com/promotions/recipe-contest.aspx.

Calling all beef eaters Then there is the famous Build a Better Burger contest, now in its 21st year. Sponsored mainly by Sutter Home Winery in Napa Valley, Calif., the grand prize is $100,000. If you're not a beef eater, a contest for an alternative burger carries a $15,000 prize. You may enter as many burger recipes as you like. Burgers are judged on creativity, taste and visual appeal. For all the rules, including necessary proportion of beef, visit www.sutterhome.com. Entry deadline is Sept. 3, for the May 2013 cookoff at the winery. See last year's winning recipe at right.

KIM ODE