North Hills Cares snags second consecutive gold award from USDA for summer meal program

Lynne Sciulli’s son, Anthony, graduated from North Hills High School in 2014, and her other son, Nicholas, graduated in 2020.

After spending so many years involved at the school, Sciulli, a lifelong Ross resident and North Hills graduate herself, wanted to find a way to stay involved.

Understanding that many children miss meals during the summer because of financial restrictions at home, Sciulli found a way to help by starting North Hills Cares.

This summer, the West View-based nonprofit marked the eighth year of its Summer Lunch Program, and it is approaching 60,000 meals served.

“People are unaware of how close to home the hunger problem really is. Even at big schools like North Hills, there could be 60% or 70% of the students who qualify for free or reduced lunch,” said Sciulli, who serves as executive director of the nonprofit.

The group is run entirely by volunteers, including her husband, Tony, as a board member.

Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently recognized North Hills Cares with the highest level of its Turnip the Beet award, which celebrates summer meal programs across the country for “high-quality meals that are both nutritious and appetizing.”

This is the second consecutive year the nonprofit has received the gold medal distinction, and it is one of only three programs in Pennsylvania to achieve the honor for 2025.

“We are honored to be recognized by the USDA for the second year in a row,” Sciulli said. “This award reflects the dedication of our board and volunteers, and the vital importance of providing nourishing meals and meaningful engagement for kids throughout the summer.”

Sciulli said many kids rely on the weekly 10 meals, breakfast and lunch, provided during the school year. Once summer hits, things can get tough for families. She has heard stories of families having to choose between medicine and food.

Sciulli couldn’t stand back and watch families suffer.

Using a USDA-sponsored program known as SUN Meals — and with the help of some dedicated volunteers — the group began its work in 2018.

That first summer, the program wasn’t well-known but was moderately successful, with a few kids consistently partaking of the free lunches. It wasn’t until covid that things really took off, Sciulli said.

“During the pandemic, we fed 40 kids per day, with 130 more meals picked up for pack-and-go. It was amazing,” said Beth McIntyre of Ross, co-founder and treasurer of North Hills Cares.

McIntyre, who also serves as its lunch program coordinator, said the grab-and-go offering was more successful than having the students eat-in.

However, the USDA has specific rules about how the procedures should be conducted. A process known as the “congregate method” is required because it promotes socialization while eating — meaning the kids must stay and eat together.

For the members of North Hills Cares, they were just happy to serve as many kids as possible.

The organization focuses on serving the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, where many people believe there is very little or no urgent need for help. Even though, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 25% of all families living in North Pittsburgh qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Through the help of sponsors, local churches, other nonprofits and volunteers, the summer program provides lunches five days a week to children 18 and younger. Each day, volunteers prepare as many as 200 lunches for distribution to sites in Bellevue, Etna, Millvale and West View.

The meals emphasize fresh produce and are paired with on-site enrichment activities designed to reinforce reading and math skills. There also are opportunities for the children to socialize with each other.

“Volunteers are always welcome,” Sciulli said.

North Hills Cares offers a student volunteer program that gives any student 16 and older the opportunity to gain work experience in the nonprofit sector. The students must be enrolled at an accredited institution to participate. Students also can use the opportunity for volunteer hours. Anyone interested can find the link at northhillscares.com.

“Our volunteers are what make this program so special. We have great people involved,” Sciulli said.

To learn more about the organization and to volunteer or donate, visit northhillscares.com.