KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- More than a dozen people are reporting stomach and digestive illnesses which officials think may be traced to a North Carolina church's annual fundraising barbecue.

• At least 13 people say they got sick
• The event was held by Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church
• Health officials say to throw out leftovers from the event

The health department serving Cabarrus County says it's gotten reports of at least 13 people who got sick after they ate food Thursday at the event held by Poplar Tent Presbyterian Church in Concord. The church has hosted the late-fall event for more than 70 years.

Cabarrus Health Alliance officials say the people who reported vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps are a fraction of the thousands who ate at the church barbecue and they aren't certain that food served there is the culprit. 

Agency Chief Operating Officer Erin Shoe is urging anyone who brought home leftovers to throw it out.