Eight area churches hope to feed the stomachs and souls of at least 1,500 people next Saturday.

Cooks will fire up their grills Friday and start serving Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. in front of the new Jemison City Hall on Highway 31.The goal is to give away 1,500 barbecue plates free of charge.

“We just want to reach out to the community,” said Keith Mims, member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

“We just want to show them the churches care and that our doors are open.”

Each plate will contain barbecue pork, baked beans, chips, bread and a drink. Serving will last until approximately 2 p.m.

Mims said the purpose of the barbecue is strictly outreach. The vision has spread to eight area churches including Pleasant Grove, Mars Hill, Holly Grove, St. James Highland, Jemison First Baptist, Pates Chapel, Oak Grove and Pleasant Hill.

“It’s a brotherhood of all churches that are involved in this,” Mims said. “We want this to be an annual event.”

The barbecue is open to everyone in the general public.

“We serve God, and we make sure God always receives the honor and glory for everything,” Mims said.