Burrito contest at MGM

Who makes the better burrito? That will be the question from noon to 5 p.m. April 19 when the Midtown Global Market hosts a burrito throwdown. Competitors are El Burrito Mercado, hailing from Aguascalientes, Mexico, whose name says it all, and Hot Indian, with roots in Uniontown, Pa. (by way of India), making their trademarked Indurritos. Judging is by the public and Eastlake Craft Brewery, where the action will take place in the market at 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis. Tickets are $25, with $5 going to support Casa de Esperanza, a local nonprofit that supports Latinas in the community, and seeks to end domestic violence. Order online here. One ticket ensures a burrito from each competitor, two beers and a commemorative pint glass.

Literally serving your country

The fourth annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge is on, with First Lady Michelle Obama teaming up with PBS flagship station WGBH Boston, the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to encourage cooking and healthful eating among young people. The challenge invites kids ages 8-12 to join a parent or guardian in creating an original recipe that is healthful, affordable and delicious. One winner from each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia will be selected and have the opportunity to attend a Kids' "State Dinner" at the White House this summer, where a selection of the winning recipes will be served. To learn more, visit www.pbs.org/parents/lunchtimechallenge/home. Deadline is April 30.

JBF scholarships available

The James Beard Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2015 scholarship program, with more than $500,000 in scholarships and grants available, the largest amount in JBF history. The program assists aspiring and established culinary professionals who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school or hospitality institution. Application forms are at http://sms.scholarshipamerica.org/jamesbeard. All scholarship application materials, including transcript, must be postmarked by May 15. Scholarship winners will be notified in August.

Time for a note

No excuse for not dropping a thank-you note with these lovely postcards, which reflect old cookbook covers. The images are curated by the Penguin U.K. art director, John Hamilton, who has amassed an international collection of cookbooks, from which these are drawn. All 100 of the postcards come in a boxed set called "Cookery Postcards From Penguin," at bookstores for $25.