About 1,000 people lined up on the Mall yesterday to take advantage of a free food offer.

"I saw the sign and figured, hey, why not?" said Bill Stewart, psychology senior.

The Associated Students gave out free pizza, subs and Eegees as part of its first-ever Student Appreciation Day.

"There was money left over in the budget - we thought we'd treat students to a free lunch," said Undergraduate Sen. Charlie Hong, finance senior and coordinator of the event.

"I hope that someone continues it next year," he said.

ASUA spent over $1,000 on food, but it was "well worth it," said Sen. Laura Casper, anthropology and classics junior.

Jeannette Croy, senior in English, knew in advance about the event.

"I know a lot of people in ASUA, so I planned for it. Free food is every college student's dream."