Photo by Deb Gau Matt Parkhurst, store director at Marshall Hy-Vee, gave a free bag of apples to customers in one of the vehicles lined up for a produce giveaway on Wednesday morning. Hy-Vee partnered with fruit supplier Stemilt to give free fruit away, during a time when many people are struggling financially from the COVID-19 pandemic.

MARSHALL — The parking lot at the Marshall Hy-Vee is often busy, but Wednesday morning was something different, said store director Matt Parkhurst.

“By 9:30 they were starting to back up,” Parkhurst said. A line of around 30 vehicles stretched from parking lot entrances off of Southview Drive almost all the way down toward the Hy-Vee gas station. People were waiting in line for bags of fresh apples, loaded straight into their cars.

“With everything that’s going on, it’s just nice to do something good,” said Cindy Nelson, one of the Hy-Vee managers and employees who were helping with a drive-up produce giveaway.

Marshall Hy-Vee gave free apples to more than 300 customers, in partnership with fruit supplier Stemilt. Hy-Vee spokespeople said the donation was a way to help people get healthy food like fresh fruit as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“As more families continue to become financially impacted by the pandemic, Hy-Vee and Stemilt believe it’s important to provide access to high-quality produce during this time of need,” Hy-Vee said in a news release.

Parkhurst and Marshall Hy-Vee employees were waiting with pallets of apples in the parking lot starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Customers could get a free bag of 10 apples on a first-come, first-served basis. Wearing masks and gloves for extra safety, Hy-Vee staff placed bags into people’s cars for contactless delivery — although some people preferred to reach through the car window to accept the bag instead.

Employees bagged up enough apples for 380 customers. That came to about 1,150 pounds of fruit, Hy-Vee spokespeople said.

“It’s really cool,” Bradin Wyffels said of being part of the giveaway. There had been a lot of cars rolling up to the delivery site that morning, he said.

“It’s fun to do something with no strings attached,” Parkhurst said. “People have been very appreciative.”