The parking lot outside the newly opened Grocery Outlet in Orcutt buzzed with activity Wednesday morning as volunteers and staff worked shoulder-to-shoulder to organize a holiday food drive timed to support the annual Santa Maria Parade of Lights.

Jason and Michelle Francia, partnering with Orcutt store owner Bryan Lutz, delivered $5,000 worth of food to the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County as a result of the drive.

The Francias, who lead The Francia Team and have deep roots in the Santa Maria area, have a long history of supporting local causes, especially during the holidays. Each year, they contribute pallets of food to ensure families across the county have access to meals. This year marked their first collaboration with Grocery Outlet Orcutt.

“For us, it’s very important to suppor

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