If you find yourself in the area of Catasauqua Park and Playground around 2:30 p.m. on a school day, don’t be alarmed by the sight of someone giving out snacks to Catasauqua Middle School students.

Pastor Brian Riedy and his congregation members at Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church are stepping up to share sweet and salty snacks, as well as some Gatorade, with the youth in the community. Since the start of the school year, they’ve set up a table every afternoon, Monday through Friday, to share and connect with the students.

According to Riedy, the idea was inspired by some of the conversations during a Catasauqua Communities That Care meeting. The CTC coalition looks at school district data and helps identify programs that might help benefit the students. Right now, the CTC is analyzing the Pennsylvania Youth Survey data compiled from surveys taken by students in the district.

In past meetings, it had been discussed some students do not feel a connection with or supported by the larger community. It had also been noted that since the CMS students largely walk or bike home, there have been instances of bullying after school.

Riedy saw an opportunity to address both of these concerns. He is hoping that by having a presence at the park after school and giving out snacks, students will feel like the community cares about them.

Riedy also hoped having an adult presence in the area would help combat some of the after-school bullying that was reported. It was noted one student admitted enjoying having the adult presence there. It made him feel safer and more likely to hang around with his friends a bit longer in the fresh air.

Riedy added he and his congregation members are not there to parent or police the youths. They are simply there to hand out snacks and maybe serve as a positive influence.

According to Riedy, they hand out approximately 75 salty snacks, 100 fruit snacks, 50 granola bars and 125 cups of Gatorade on a daily basis. Riedy buys most of the snacks but does receive occasional donations. The Gatorade also comes as a donation.

Once school is out, the students come, at times, running to the snack stand for the goodies. A number of the students shared their appreciation for the snacks and drink before rushing off to be with their friends.

Riedy said he is considering options for when the weather turns colder, so he can continue with the distribution. He also reported they always check the area for errant wrappers and cups before leaving the area to make sure it stays clean.

Members of the CTC joined Riedy and Holy Trinity member Barbara Bauer Oct. 19 to assist with the distribution, including Lois Reed, Catasauqua Community Cares Program coordinator; Ashley Schmidt, Catasauqua High School career facilitator; Denise Continenza, Penn State Extension educator and CTC coordinator; and Nicole Elias, with Valley Youth House.

The CTC members reported having a good time connecting with the students and assisting Riedy’s efforts.