Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay announced today that he is once again partnering with the United Way of Greater Oswego County, the Pulaski community, restaurant professionals and business leaders to hold a Stone Soup-Pulaski Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ringgold Fire Dept.

The Stone Soup-Pulaski Luncheon committee invites the public to come together to raise funds for local food pantries. The luncheon is inspired by the original folk tale in which villagers each add an ingredient to a pot of water, and, in the end, people share a meal together. The proceeds and collected food will support local food pantries and backpack programs at schools.

Soups, salad, rolls and beverages are being donated by local businesses. Guests are asked to pay a $5 admission fee and bring donations of nonperishable food items. Volunteers from National Grid will be on hand to help serve the meal. Sponsorship and food donations are still being sought and anyone interested in contributing to the meal may call the United Way at 315-593-1900, extension 4 or email patrick@oswegounitedway.org.

“Our food pantries and school backpack programs fill a critical need. Last year’s Stone Soup-Pulaski helped restock their shelves and made a difference. I hope this time we can again raise awareness about the need to help support these much-needed services,” said Leader Barclay.

“United Way of Greater Oswego County is pleased to partner with Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, National Grid employees, the Village of Pulaski and others for the Stone Soup Luncheon in Pulaski. Food insecurity is common among many families and individuals across our county and this event is intended to raise awareness about hunger in the community. By providing a light lunch in exchange for a nominal donation and non-perishable food item, we can bring community members together for fellowship and fun while making a difference in the lives of their neighbors,” said Patrick Dewine, Executive Director of United Way of Greater Oswego County.

The Stone Soup Luncheon was started in Oswego and Fulton to increase the visibility of food insecurity throughout our area and has grown into an annual event in both communities that benefits respective food pantries. The Stone Soup-Pulaski Luncheon has been added to these outreach efforts and aims to address food insecurity in the Pulaski community.

The event is open to the public. Ringgold Fire Department is located at 12 Lake Street, Pulaski, NY 13142. For additional information, please call Leader Barclay’s office at 315-598-5185 or the United Way at 315-593-1900, extension 4.