The community is invited to a mid-winter open house celebration of local food and related activities to be held Feb. 19 from 5-8 p.m. at the Food Enterprise Center, 1201 N. Main Street in Viroqua.

The MUNCH event will feature tastings of food grown in the region, beverages made in Viroqua, cooking and gardening demonstrations, a winter farmers market, children’s activities, tours of the Food Enterprise Center, live music, and information on wellness and other health topics.

According to Sue Noble, Executive Director of Vernon Economic Development Association, “We want to get community folks out to celebrate food and wellness! Learn more about businesses in our area.  Bring your friends and family to meet local producers who will be sampling and selling wonderful local products.”

Sylvan Meadows, Snow Pac Foods, Austin’s Rush Creek Farm, Small Family CSA Farm, Dragonfly Pepper Company, Fizzeology, Sugar Shack, Kickapoo Coffee and Wisco Pop will be among the participating vendors offering food and beverages.  Taste a sample of the new frozen blend products that the Fifth Season Cooperative has available for institutional food service markets.  Learn about lasagna gardening with a demonstration from Master Gardener Roger Reynolds.  Enjoy live entertainment featuring area musicians Bob Hill and Jay Hoffman.

MUNCH will also offer information on the Growing Gardeners Initiative, LuSa Organics, and other food, health or wellness-related organizations.

Organizers of the event are Fifth Season Cooperative, Growing Gardeners Initiative, Viroqua Chamber Main Street, Viroqua Food Co-op, and Vernon Economic Development Association.

Admission is free. All are welcome. For more information, call 608-638-8332.