A free steak dinner will mark the start of this year’s campus clothing and food drive, which runs from Nov.1 to Nov. 17. The dinner will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight in the Northridge Center .

“This is the first time we’ve launched the clothing and food drive this way and we’re glad to add this new layer to the event,” said Justin Weiss of the Matador Involvement Center. “We want to have an educational evening, provide everyone at the dinner with free food, and inspire them to leave that evening ready to help as much as possible.”

Free tickets from the Matador Involvement Center will be available to students, staff and faculty, but only the first 500 guest will be seated on a first come first serve basis.

There are more tickets available than there are seats, Weiss said.

Attendees will watch videos and hear speakers lecture on the importance of helping those in need.

“We want to help get the issue on campus and in the community in relationship to hunger and hunger issues,” said Weiss, “We hope attendees will learn something about it and will be motivated to do something about it and donate.”

The University Student Union was so inspired by the event that they helped back the cost, Weiss said, but could not offer a projection of the event’s budget at the time.

A free steak incentive will hopefully draw students and gain momentum for the drive, Weiss said.

“We would love to have as many students come out to learn something and enjoy a free dinner as well,” Weiss said.

The food and clothing drive will accept food, toys, clothing and books for the duration of the drive. Bins will be placed around the Matador Involvement Center, Sierra Hall, the Oviatt Library, Bayramian Hall, the Matador Bookstore, the USU welcome desk and the dorms.

All proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit organization, Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND).