Happy Thursday, readers!

We've got lots of news for you this week. Let's get into it with a quick rundown:

For the past decade, the DC Food Policy Council has helped locals access food in more equitable and sustainable ways. But as Mayor Bowser contends with the city's economic constraints, the office is one of a series of cuts in her proposed budget. Sam Delgado reports on how the loss could impact the city’s most vulnerable. 

When District residents have non-emergency issues like an abandoned car on their block or a park's overflowing trash can, 311 is the place to report them. But for more than a month, the app that many regular users rely on has been broken, and the city hasn’t explained the issue or how long repairs will take, Gracie McKenzie reports.

In an op-ed, Ward 7 resident Eboni Rose-Thompson advocates for a program she believes can help prevent tragic misunderstandings when police request identification from District residents with non-apparent, or “hidden,” disabilities.

For our Ask A D.C. Native column, India Kea shares her complicated relationship with the National Mall, as she opines on whether you're obligated to visit it.

Last but not least: Sam, who joined The 51st full-time last month, is an inquisitive reporter who has wielded her curiosity and storytelling chops to write some of our favorite stories. Get to know her a bit more with this fun Q&A. And keep scrolling for our roundups of things to do this weekend and ways to volunteer around the city.

— Christina

D.C. has a food access problem. Advocates say Bowser’s budget would make it worse.

The mayor proposed eliminating an office that has helped low-income students access food over the summer and made it easier to start farmers markets.

The 311 app has been broken for ages. What gives?

It’s been more difficult than usual for many users to request and receive city services.

Opinion: Eric's Law is vital protection for D.C. residents with disabilities

Maryland has already enacted similar legislation. Now it's D.C.'s turn.

Am I obligated to visit the National Mall?

If you do, expect equal parts fascination and inconvenience. 

Meet our team: Sam Delgado

D.C. is the only place she's lived as an adult, and she has never considered leaving.

15 things to do around the city this week

Welcome the summer with a family Pride festival, an Afro-Brazilian party, and a baby rave with head-banging remixes of nursery rhymes.

12 ways to volunteer around D.C. this week

Learn how to help voters on Election Day, build out local Black history archives, and other fun ways to get involved in the community.

Here are some stories you may have missed this week:

• Pride Month is so much more than the parade. Here’s a roundup of grassroots queer events taking place around the city this month. [WCP]
• Billionaires are billionaire-ing in this trademark battle over “The Star.” [City Cast]
• What book has most influenced the mayoral candidates? Where do they stand on issues like congestion pricing, rent control, and the youth curfew? Here’s a breakdown. [The Post]
• And while you’re thinking about the election, here’s a closer look at the at-large council race and a piece on how D.C.’s mayoral race replicates the current battle over the national Democratic Party. [Washington Informer, The Atlantic]
• Will the only Smithsonian museum to archive and document daily life in D.C. survive the Trump administration? [The Atlantic]
• After nearly two decades at The Post, the beloved Capital Weather Gang is going independent. Here’s this weekend’s forecast. [WTOP, Capital Weather Gang]
• Mayor Bowser is proposing a significant sales tax increase on medical cannabis. Local operators and councilmembers are concerned about what it could mean for the market. [WCP]
• D.C. has a functional zoning board again. (ICYMI, here’s the context.) [Washington Business Journal, WCP]
• Is Events DC subject to FOIA? A judge says yes. [District Dig]

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Until next time,

Christina