Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) announced that the third annual Stone Soup Pulaski Luncheon was a huge success. Proceeds from the luncheon will enable the United Way of Greater Oswego County to directly assist food programs in the Pulaski community with more than $2,000 in monetary donations and more than $1,500 in non-perishable food donations collected. All food and monetary donations will be split between the Pulaski Community Cupboard and Pulaski Academy & Central School District’s Weekend Backpack program.

“Each year, businesses, organizations and individuals put their heart into this event and help make it a success,” said Leader Barclay. “The greater Pulaski community is truly generous and I’m always proud to call it home.”

“Our food pantries and school backpack programs fill in critical gaps for families and individuals when times are uncertain. It was heartwarming to see the community support one another like they did today,” said Patrick Dewine, United Way of Greater Oswego County executive director.

About 100 people came out to enjoy the donated soups made by area restaurants. Those restaurants included The Eis House, Mill House Market, Artie’s Hometown Diner, the Make Sense Shop, Pond Pit BBQ and Tailwater Lodge.

Sponsors for the event included Presenting Sponsors ConnextCare, American Legion Post 358, Dot Foods and Will Barclay. Many other sponsors helped to make it a success and included Tops Pulaski, Dunkin in Pulaski, Stone Creek Golf Club, Huhtamaki, C’s Farm Market of Oswego, CiTi Boces and host site Ringgold Fire Department which generously donated use of their facilities. 

Stone Soup 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. Soups, salads, rolls, and beverages were donated by local businesses. Guests were invited to pay a $5 admission fee and to bring donations of nonperishable food items. Volunteers from National Grid and the Community Cupboard were on hand to serve the meal as part of the corporation’s Day of Service. Stone Soup Luncheon was started in Oswego and Fulton to increase the visibility of food insecurity throughout our county and has become an annual event in both communities that benefits respective food pantries. Stone Soup Pulaski Luncheon has been added to these outreach efforts and aims to address food insecurity in the Pulaski community.