Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) today announced he is once again partnering with the United Way of Greater Oswego County, the Village of Pulaski and local restaurant and business leaders to hold the “Stone Soup-Pulaski Luncheon” on Thursday, Sept. 19 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 where 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 to bring donations of nonperishable food items. Volunteers from National Grid will be on hand to help serve the meal.

This year’s soups are generously being donated by Artie’s Hometown Diner, Eis House, Mill House, Make Sense Shop, Pond Pit BBQ and Tailwater Lodge. The Ringgold Fire Department has generously provided its facilities once again to host the event. DOT Foods will donate $1,500 worth of food for pantries and ConnextCare has once again committed to be a leading sponsor.

“It is incredibly heartening to see businesses and community partners come together to raise awareness about the need for food donations in our local pantries and backpack programs. We have so many generous restaurants and business owners who are really the ones who make this day possible. I am grateful to the Ringgold Fire Department for opening its doors to us again this year and helping to make this luncheon a success. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in creating a special occasion,” said Leader Barclay.

“United Way of Greater Oswego County is honored to partner with Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, National Grid employees, the Village of Pulaski and others once again for Stone Soup Luncheon in Pulaski.Food insecurity continues to be a huge concern among people in our county. By providing a light lunch in exchange for a nominal donation and non-perishable food item, community members can come together for fellowship and fun while making a difference in the lives of their neighbors,” said Patrick Dewine, Executive Director, United Way of Greater Oswego County.

“I am thrilled to once again be a part of this year’s luncheon.We know there is a big need out there and if we can work together to raise awareness and help more families, we are further ahead together,” said Jan Tighe, Mayor of Pulaski.

Stone Soup Luncheon was started by the United Way in Oswego and Fulton to increase the visibility of food insecurity throughout the county and has grown into an annual event in both communities to benefit their respective food pantries. Stone Soup Pulaski Luncheon has been added to these outreach efforts and aims to address food insecurity in the Pulaski community. Anyone interested in contributing to the meal or making a donation to help hunger may call United Way at 315-593-1900 ext. 4 or email Patrick Dewine at patrick@oswegounitedway.org.

The event is open to the public. Ringgold Fire Department is located at 12 Lake Street, Pulaski, NY 13142.