United Way Brings Stone Soup Luncheon to Sandy Creek

August 10th, 2011

Fulton, NY ? With the need for food subsidy increasing and food pantries throughout Oswego County being hard pressed to meet the growing demand, the United Way of Greater Oswego County is doing its part to raise awareness of the food shortage in Oswego County and encourage the community to help fill the shelves of our area food pantries. On Sunday, September 18th the United Way of Greater Oswego County will hold their first ever Stone Soup Luncheon in Sandy Creek.

Hosted by Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, just off Rt. 81 exit 37, the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon will draw upon the agency?s theme of ?Live United? as the United Way invites community members to come together to break bread, warm their hearts, gather with friends, and enjoy a delicious lunch of Stone Soup while helping to support Oswego County?s struggling food pantries.

?With the success of our Stone Soup Luncheons in Oswego and Fulton we thought it would be a great idea to introduce it to the Sandy Creek area,? said Resource Development Director for the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Lois Luber. ?There is a dire need for food subsidy in our county and it is becoming increasingly difficult for food pantries to meet this need. Our goal with the Stone Soup Luncheon is to not only raise awareness of this problem, but raise funds and provide food pantries in Oswego County with additional food.?

?The story of Stone Soup dates back to an event that took place in post-war Europe when the residents of an impoverished village all donated what they could to make a delicious meal that could feed the whole village. The moral of Stone Soup is that working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good can be achieved,? explained Luber. ?It is a reflection of the United Way?s ?Live United? concept. We are all connected. When you reach out and help someone in need that action has an effect that reverberates throughout the community. By supporting the United Way you not only bring comfort to those in need, you help inspire others to lend their support and ultimately enable us and our member agencies to serve even more families and individuals.?

?Our Stone Soup Luncheon is an excellent example of this, as a number of caring local businesses have come forward to donate the food and beverages necessary. The River House Restaurant, Rainbow Shores Restaurant, Sandy Pond Steak House, and Eddy?s Place Restaurant will provide soups. Top?s Market will provide cake for dessert. Additional local businesses will be providing salad, fresh rolls, coffee and cookies,? added Luber.

The United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon is open to the public and will be held Sunday, September 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive. The United Way is accepting donations of $5 per person. All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support the Pulaski Community Ministries Food Pantry, the Sandy Creek / Lacona Community Cupboard, the Richland / Rural & Migrant Ministries Food Pantry, and the Lacona / North Country Christian Church Soup Kitchen. Attendees are encouraged to please bring a donation of non-perishable food items, as the United Way will be collecting donations for those food pantries as well.

?Our food pantries are really feeling a strain this year and it is becoming especially challenging for them as they try to meet the demand for food subsidy throughout Oswego County,? added Luber. ?The food collected, and the money raised at our Stone Soup Luncheon will be greatly appreciated.?

Luber added that United Way is still seeking sponsors and donations for the Stone Soup Luncheon. ?We invite local businesses to be a part of our Stone Soup Luncheon and are welcoming additional sponsors. Community members wishing to donate fresh produce from their garden are welcome to do so by bringing their donations to the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 ?11:00 a.m.

Those unable to attend the luncheon, but would like to donate food items, may contact Peggy Manchester at 387-5539 for information on where to drop off non-perishable food donations throughout Oswego County.

For more information contact your United Way office at 593-1900.

Cut line for photo: United Way brings Stone Soup Luncheon to Sandy Creek. Committee members for the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Stone Soup Luncheon in Sandy Creek meet to discuss details for the event. Scheduled for Sunday, September 18th the Stone Soup luncheon, which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Drive, serves as a fundraiser for area food pantries. Above seated from left are: Oswego County Opportunities? Director of Senior Nutrition, Amy Roland, Resource Development Director for United Way of Greater Oswego County, Lois Luber, Peggy Manchester of the Sandy Creek / Lacona Food Pantry; and Community Volunteer, Pat Rossman. Absent from photo are committee members, Penny Kimball of Rural and Migrant Ministries of Oswego County; Helen Hoefer, director of Emergency Services at Catholic Charities of Oswego County; Brian Leary of Lakeshore Hardwoods; and Kathy Crandall of Community Bank.