According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 7 percent of Alabama households will experience hunger this year. Some of that percentage includes the elderly, veterans and the homeless. One Selma native plans to make a difference, one plate at a time.

In partnership with Tabernacle of Praise Church, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kendric Johnson will hold a free “community event meal” Saturday, March 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for the less fortunate, veterans and seniors. Johnson said the church plans to feed nearly 300 people.

Johnson, who founded the nonprofit organization “Giving Back 2 God,” or GB2G, said the idea of feeding the hungry came after he volunteered for a homeless shelter in Columbus, Ga.

“Just giving someone a piece of bread and to see them smile, it warmed my heart,” Johnson said, who also volunteered at shelters in South Carolina and North Carolina. “It made me appreciate the things I have, more than I ever have. There’s somebody that’s really struggling, just to get something to eat.”

Johnson, who graduated from Selma High School in 2002, felt it was crucial to volunteer in his hometown.

“Back home I get to make an even bigger impact in the place I’m from,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen a lot and witnessed a lot, many that paved the way for us … fought for us, our veterans, they’re struggling. We take every day for granted — we’re so blessed.”

Tabernacle of Praise pastor Effell Williams Sr., said he feels what Johnson is doing is “phenomenal.”

“It’s the keeping of what God told us to do,” Williams said. “Matthew says, ‘when you fail to do it to the least of these, you also fail to do it to me (Christ).’ This is probably something we’ll do on a regular basis for the veterans, the homeless (and) those that are less fortunate. We’re just trying to do what the scripture says.”

Johnson, who often purchases baked goods to donate to those in need or takes used clothing to shelters on weekends, felt helping the less fortunate was his “God-ordained” assignment.

“God pricked my heart,” Johnson said. “I felt like if I were in that situation, I would want someone to help me.”

Johnson said his next goal is to open up a homeless shelter in Selma — serving meals three times a day and offering a game and television room.

“This allows them to get off the street,” Johnson said. “It’s such a blessing to give back.”

The church is located at 850 Woodrow Ave.