A restaurant chain is hosting a free community dinner on Tuesday across three Rio Grande Valley locations.

Edith's Mexican Buffet will open its doors at all three spots, in Pharr, Weslaco and Harlingen, starting at 5:30 p.m. The event runs until 8 p.m. or until the food runs out.

It is first-come, first-served, with a set menu. The dinner is dine-in only, and no takeout will be available.

Owners Mario Cruz and Edith Cruz said they decided to host the event after hearing from people in the community who are struggling to make ends meet.

"We heard a lot of people that are saying, 'I'm barely being able to buy groceries. I'm really struggling to pay my rent,'” Edith Cruz said. "We know that people are struggling, and we know that even businesses are struggling. So why not act?" 

The owners expect to serve 400 people at each location.