Maya Praff
Some big lobbyists would love for you to believe that paid leave is bad for business. Apparently, our local business community didn’t get the message. They’re joining the DC Paid Family Leave coalition in droves—because caring for your employees is good business. These businesses recognize that life happens to all of us, and nobody should have to choose between caring for themselves, a new child, an elderly parent, or a sick partner, and earning a paycheck.
No matter what your plans are for the long weekend, you can support businesses that support #PaidLeave4DC!
1. Stock up on groceries
Sure, the rain seems to have stopped for a minute—but can you ever really trust DC weather? Stock up on groceries from Each Peach Market in Mt. Pleasant, and Union Kitchen Grocery in Capitol Hill. Have a fancy meal in, taste local products, and know that you’re supporting businesses that support paid family and medical leave. If it stays sunny, you can get great picnic supplies!
2. Drink
What would a Memorial Day picnic be without a refreshing cocktail? Make yourself DC’s official drink using Greenhat Gin -- New Columbia Distillers, the District’s first distillery in over a century, is an official supporter of #PaidLeave4DC.
3. Plan your next camping trip.
The warm weather is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to plan your next venture into the great outdoors. The Georgetown Patagonia has everything you need for your next summer adventure—and is an official supporter of paid family and medical leave.
4. Start your next DIY project
Want to start that DIY project you’ve been eyeing on Pinterest for months? As official supporters of #PaidLeave4DC, the 5th Street Ace Hardware, Adams Morgan Ace Hardware, Logan Hardware, and Annie’s Ace Hardware will equip you with all the proper tools—without having to sacrifice your values.
5. Eat something sweet
Need some sweet treats for your Memorial Day BBQ? Look no further than Grassroots Gourmet in Bloomingdale, a delicious bakery that supports Paid Family Leave in DC. They even offer custom cakes (including a vegan option) where you can design the cake you want right from their website.
And for some unbelievably delicious vegan treats, check out Sticky Fingers Bakery & Cafe in Columbia Heights. Offering a full selection of coffee, pastries, soups, sandwiches, and specials, even the pickiest of eaters you won’t even miss the dairy or eggs.
6. Eat some pizza
We really don’t need to try to sell you on pizza—it kind of sells itself. But to enjoy a slice from a place you know supports #PaidLeave4DC, head over to Bacio Pizzeria in Bloomingdale, Angelico's Pizzeria in Mt. Pleasant, Timber Pizza Co. (soon to be in Petworth!), and Mama's Pizza Kitchen in Anacostia.
7. Buy some beans
For a local coffee roaster that shares your values, you really can’t do much better than Zeke’s Coffee. Based just east of Brookland, their beans are roasted in small batches and sold in various grocers, coffee shops, restaurants, and farmer’s markets around the DMV. You can even join the DC Coffee Club and receive a pound of coffee every two weeks with a card describing the tasting notes and farm of origin.
8. Add some vintage touches to your home
Let’s face it, we all look forward to those Memorial’s Day sales. But instead of going to some huge retailer, buy from your local vintage home decor shop, Miss Pixie’s. Located just north of Logan Circle, Miss Pixie’s offers one-of-a-kind vintage touches to make you feel at home. And as a solid supporter of Paid Family Leave in DC, you can rest easy that you supported a business that matches your values.
Once you've shopped yourself out, walk a few blocks to Parlour Salon for a whole new hairstyle (or just a trim, you do you).
9. Sit and read with a cuppa joe (or popsicle)
Mexican chocolate, pomegranate hibiscus, carolina sweet tea—can you believe I’m listing popsicle flavors? Cool off from the heat with a refreshing handmade popsicle from Pleasant Pops downtown and in Adams Morgan. Flavors rotate on a weekly basis, so get there soon before your favorite flavor melts!
For a smooth cup of coffee and a cozy place to read, head on over to Flying Fish Coffee & Tea in Mt. Pleasant. Enjoy a cold brewed iced coffee and your favorite summer read all while knowing you’ve supported a business that is 100% behind paid family and medical leave.
10. Brunch
What can we say about Busboys & Poets that hasn’t already been said? Not only is the food delicious, the service excellent, the ambiance cool, and the bookstore radical, but the restaurant is also an avid supporter of paid family and medical leave for DC and raising the wage. Plus, with a multitude of vegetarian and vegan options, the spot has become a favorite for plant-eaters and omnivores alike. Seats fill up for brunch, so make sure to book your reservation in advance.
For some southern comfort food and a mean bloody mary, check out Mulebone at 14th and U. Brought to you by the Busboys and Poets tribe, Mulebone serves a variety of traditional Southern food with a modern twist. Try the sweet potato bourbon pecan pie—you won’t regret it.
Maya Praff is a 2016 Jeremiah Fellow with Jews United for Justice and a canvasser with the #DCfor15 Campaign. Follow her @mayapraff.