One day ahead of Independence Day, the Hinesville Military Affairs Committee plans to serve between 5,500 and 7,000 free meals to Soldiers and their dependents from 11:30 a.m. -2 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, for Marne Family Day on Fort Stewart. Marne Family Day is open to Active Duty Service Members and their families only.

HMAC and its many volunteers will set up outside of Newman Gym to serve the meals, and diners will take and eat their meals inside the air conditioned gym, said HMAC member P.J. Schneider. Schneider heads up Fort Stewart Coordination for the committee, according to the City of Hinesville website.

The menu will include food from Sho’ Nuff Smokin’ Good BBQ, along with food from the local Bojangles’, Jimmy John’s, Little Caesars, Domino’s and Pizza Hut restaurants, Schneider said.

“We’ll be cooking up hotdogs, sausage dogs and Roger Wood sausage,” he said. “We’ll have some donuts from Krispy Kreme, and other snacks.”

Schneider said liquid refreshments courtesy of McDonald’s, Coca Cola, Food Lion and Lowe’s will also be served. He said HMAC is receiving help from community volunteers who represent Veterans service groups, faith-based organizations and civic clubs. Funding for the event comes from gracious donors that include scores of individuals, area businesses, local city governments, and numerous organizations, the HMAC member said.

In addition to the food court, Active Duty Service Members and their families can enjoy a petting zoo, video game truck, water slides and other activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and will have free access to Corkan Recreation Center, Stewart Bowling Center, Corkan Outdoor Pool and the Splash Park from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on July 3.