'Giving back': Kingsville store hands out free fresh groceries ahead of the holidays

Cindy’s co-owner Jason Martin said they hope to make the holiday food drive-thru an annual tradition (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

Cars lined up outside of Cindy’s Home and Garden store in Kingsville on Sunday morning for the first Green Pick-up Holiday Food Drive-Thru.

Co-owners Tisha and Jason Martin, and staff at Cindy’s, handed out bags of fresh food to families in need.

“So, they're getting a bag of fresh vegetables. There's also a can of corn and green beans in there, and then also an 800-gram ham,” Jason explained.

The initiative is a result of fundraising efforts in November, where each $2 reusable grocery bag purchased by customers helped fund Sunday’s prepared bags. In one weekend Cindy’s sold 1,000 bags.

As a result, they were prepared to hand out 150 bags of food on Sunday.

Cindy’s prepared 150 bags featuring fresh produce and a ham for Kingsville families (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

About five pounds of vegetables per bag were also donated by Del Fresco Pure Produce.

“I mean, we just know the economy is rough for a lot of people right now, and we know there's people in our community here that are in need,” Jason said.

Participants arrived at the store’s location and received a bag without leaving a name or contact information as part of keeping the process anonymous.

“It doesn't matter who it is, where they're coming from, if you need it, you come out here, and you'll get your free bag of veggies with your ham as well,” Tisha said.

While the store typically donates to local food banks during the holidays, they started the drive-thru to reach those who work during the week.

Cindy’s prepared 150 bags featuring fresh produce and a ham for Kingsville families (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

The Martins said they would hand out bags throughout Sunday until they were gone, but added any leftovers would be delivered to the food bank.

“We're just giving back any way we can, and right now, we know food insecurity is an issue, so we thought this would be the best way to help out,” Jason said.

The initiative comes as Cindy’s marks its 35th year in business, and the Martins hope to continue the Green Pick-up for years to come.