Local food is the focus of two tasty events next month.

One is the first "Local Food Showcase," subtitled "a Grower/Buyer Event." The public is welcome to attend, too, from 1 to 4 p.m. March 11 at Chatham University, which is co-sponsoring the tradeshow-like gathering with the Penn State Extension, Allegheny County. Local food producers -- retailers, restaurants, farmers, farm markets -- will display their wares. They and other groups will do demos and tastings and pass out information, including on such relevant information as gardening.

Organizers say this is "part of a larger effort to strengthen the local food infrastructure in Western Pennsylvania." Admission, to the Mellon Board Room, is $5. Vendors can register (by Feb. 26) by contacting Heather Mikulas at 412-473-2540.

Another event that's happening again this year is the fourth Farm to Table conference, subtitled, "Eat Local Food."

That annual event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 26 and 27 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.

Attendees can visit the booths of local food producers, health-care professionals and related organizations, and hear a number of speakers address how and why eating local is good for you. From 5 to 8 p.m. March 26, there will be a local food tasting.

Tickets for the two-day event with breakfast are $25; the evening food tasting is an additional $25. Register before Feb. 28 and get a free ticket for every two you buy, and group discounts are available (412-563-7807).

Get tickets, a list of speakers, information about exhibiting there and more details at pathwayswellnessprogram.com/2010_conference.html.

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