PitCare’s Meals on Wheels still going strong after 54 years

Dan Casey describes the food he prepares at PitCare’s Meals on Wheels program as “homestyle, with a restaurant quality.”

And it’s no wonder, since Casey has worked in the food industry since graduating high school — he was a chef at the Wooden Nickel and Houlihan’s in Monroeville, and many local catering businesses.

“It’s very much like catering, really,” said the program coordinator.

PitCare’s Meals on Wheels services aging and disabled individuals in Pitcairn, Wall, Wilmerding, Trafford, Level Green and most of Monroeville. One hot meal and a bagged lunch is delivered directly to about 45 to 55 client homes per day.

In addition to cooking, Casey, who grew up in Wilmerding, manages the inventory, volunteers and clients. He likes to prepare healthy, homestyle meals, and every bagged lunch consists of a sandwich, salad, fresh fruit and a dessert.

The organization was founded in 1971 by St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church members. PitCare purchased the church building about 10 years ago and has been overseeing the program since.

Casey – who started in 2017 and is the only paid employee – relies on 30 to 35 volunteers who help prepare food for delivery. Drivers distribute meals using their own vehicles.

“I’ve always been a helper. It’s in my nature,” said Brianna Lutz of Trafford.

Lutz, who has been volunteering two or three days a month since November, used to serve food with her grandmother Ann at a homeless shelter.

“It’s a good thing and it’s a good service,” Ann Lutz said. “People need it.”

Since the program doesn’t receive government funding, clients are asked to pay $5 per day. They can choose to have meals delivered daily Monday through Friday or just a few days a week. Trafford’s St. Regis Parish covers $2 a day for any Level Green or Trafford residents, making their cost just $3.

“If a person has a little bit of a restrictive diet, I say give it a try,” Casey said. “If it’s not for you, it’s OK.”

If a person has a few restrictions, such as a preference to wheat bread over white bread, those generally can be accommodated, said volunteer Eileen Buck. But it an individual has a very strict diet, such as no salt or a diabetic diet, the program would likely not be appropriate for them.

Though about 90% of the groceries used comes from the the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Meals on Wheels also receives donations from Giant Eagle and Sheetz in Monroeville.

Casey says the program’s success can be attributed to the volunteers and donors.

“I get fulfillment working with our volunteers,” he said. “Our drivers enjoy their interactions with our clients. But it’s not just about the meals – it’s also a safety check.”

PitCare Meals on Wheels is located at 416 Center Ave. Those in need of the service can call 412-372-9116. For information on donating or volunteering, visit pitcare.org.