Food trucks are going on their version of a hunger strike today to protest proposed mobile vending regulations. During lunch, 17 truckers will park in Farragut Square, but they won’t serve food. The idea is to show the public what it would be like under the proposed rules, which they argue would push many operators out of downtown and could cause some to go out of business or leave the city altogether.

The “Day Without a Food Truck” stunt is part of the Food Truck Association Metropolitan’s aggressive grassroots campaign. You might also spot ads on Metro buses with the hashtag #saveDCfoodtrucks. The organization has been asking the public for $5 donations to help fund marketing materials for its cause.

And it’s not just the food trucks amping up their game before  the D.C. Council committee public hearing on Friday. Tensions seem to be heating up all sides. The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington sent out an email on Friday, supporting the regulations and arguing that food truck operators have exaggerated the harmful effects of potential new rules.

Photo by Jessica Sidman