By Gintautas Dumcius
Reporter Correspondent

Spurred by the rising cost of groceries and heat for Boston residents, Mayor Thomas Menino's office is planning a September "Food and Fuel" summit, along with a series of potluck dinners across the city.

"Residents can bring what they can," Menino said at a press conference announcing the initiative, alongside House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce head Paul Guzzi, and officials from the Red Sox Foundation, Partners Health Care, energy companies, and state and local agencies.

"I'll be at them," Menino quipped of the dinners. "I'll test them all."

The "Food and Fuel" summit is planned for Sept. 27 at the Madison Park High School in Roxbury, with demonstrations planned for "winterizing" homes and how to plan a grocery budget.

National Grid is increasing funding for the Department of Neighborhood Development's heating program to $200,000 and allowing for more families with children six years or younger.

Menino said with prices increasing for lean meats and vegetables by 20 percent, the city was also seeking to up enrollment of the food stamp program by helping individuals register.

"There is no shame in receiving the support you deserve," he said. "If you need support, please ask for it."

The campaign comes as fuel costs are also set to rise and oil prices remain high in a struggling economy. Heating an average home is expected to cost $4,000 this winter, nearly $1,000 more than last season. Home heating oil is currently at about $4.30 a gallon, according to Menino's office.

"Even though we're in August, we need to plan ahead," DiMasi said. "Paychecks don't go as far as they used to."

"We're trying to get ahead of the curve," said Jim Hunt, Menino's environmental chief.

DiMasi also called on the federal government to increase funding in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

According to the mayor's office, over, 17,000 families received fuel assistance last year, and that figure is expected to increase.

"The federal government must step up to the plate and help," DiMasi said.

Beacon Hill lawmakers have had to boost funding on their own in recent years, as federal assistance has fallen off. Legislators have also sought to expand the clean energy sector and promote energy efficiency through a quartet of bills endorsed this past session.

In a statement, NSTAR chairman and CEO Thomas May said, "Energy efficiency remains the single most effective way to take control over high costs and we look forward to highlighting our successful efficiency programs to our neighbors in Boston at the upcoming summit."

DiMasi noted that a task force launched by him, Senate President Therese Murray and Gov. Deval Patrick will soon release recommendations on heating issues for families.

"I plan to explore all options," including bulk purchasing and tax credits," DiMasi said.