NATCHEZ — Reaching out to the community is a blessing for both those who give and those who receive, said Pastor Scott Green.

The Dart landed on Natchez First Assembly of God on Liberty Road, where Green said the congregation feeds those in need on a weekly basis through The King’s Kabinet food pantry.

Green said the church’s pantry receives frozen goods, pastries, canned goods and more through weekly donations from the Mississippi Food Network and Walmart.

Each Sunday, church volunteers spend a few hours boxing the items, and every Tuesday from noon to 12:30, they distribute the items, Green said.

Green said anyone in need may get on the pantry’s distribution list with a picture ID and proof of local address. Green said on occasions the pantry cannot take new recipients if the number of people asking exceeds the amount of food available. Green said the church feeds 200 to 250 people a month.

Green said he came to the church 10 years ago to be the pastor. He said at the time recipients were waiting outside in the heat or cold to get their food, but now he brings them into the church’s fellowship hall while they wait.

“From 11:45 to 12 we do a biblical devotion with them and invite them back to the church,” Green said.

Green said he hopes those who are helped will come back for devotion with the church, but regardless of whether they return, he said feeding those in need is a blessing.

“It’s not only a blessing to the community but a blessing to us because it’s helping us see how to serve others,” Green said. “We’re doing more than just feeding their stomachs; we’re feeding their souls.