MEET YOUR RETAILER
It's important to know who you buy your food and shoes from. That's why the shops and eateries are putting on "Get Connected with Union Station," a full day of promotional events, food sampling and activities.
We're most excited about the activities sponsored by Union Station newcomer YO! Sushi -- and the British chain's love for Harajuku dancers. In celebration of its first U.S. eatery, YO! is offering free food samplings, interactive games and, yes, flash dance performances (at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.) by its very own Harajuku dance team. You'll also have the opportunity to win prizes such as California rolls and mochi ice cream by playing YO! Sushi's exciting version of Wheel of Fortune.
So if you're waiting for your train or work on the Senate side and want free food samples, stop by Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave. NE) and participate in the fun. The events begin at 10 a.m. and last until 5 p.m.
CREATIVE REUSE
It's like do-gooder Legos. The region's top architects and engineers have "canstructed" true works of art at the National Building Museum -- all out of cans of food used as building blocks, then donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. It's Canstruction 2012, and the competition's on for the highly coveted People's Choice Award!
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m is your chance to meet the amazing builders behind this year's Canstruction competition over beverages and hors d'oeuvres at the Building Museum (401 F St. NW). Raid your pantry and bring along canned goods for the Capital Area Food Bank. To date, Canstruction DC has donated more than 250 tons of food.
General public tickets are $20 and prepaid registration is required at nbm.org. In case you can't make it, the entries will be on display from now through Saturday.
SHOP, EAT LOCAL
Skip the grocery store this fall and head over to the newest farmers market in the District, where you can buy fresh fruit, organic produce and delicious baked goods from local farmers. The market, located on the corner of 13th and E streets SE, will be open every Wednesday in September and October from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., no matter the weather.
Hosted by Watkins Elementary School and operated by New Morning Farm and Tuscarora Organic Growers Cooperative, this will be similar to their other markets -- Saturday in Van Ness and the famed Sunday Dupont Circle market.
This is a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the crisp, fall produce while crossing things off your grocery list.