THE spread of coronavirus could increase demand for emergency food relief, Bendigo Foodshare believes.
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But concern about an emerging pandemic has yet to make a marked impact on the organisation.
"It's business as usual," manager Bridget Bentley said.
She said Bendigo Foodshare was continuing to do what was needed in the community, and was in close contact with partner agencies to continue to monitor the situation.
"At the moment food supplies are good," Ms Bentley said.
"We have seen a slight decrease, but we are still able to get food out for people."
Bendigo Foodshare found it difficult to access bread last week - something Ms Bentley said was unusual.
"Our supply of fruit and vegetables has been good, so far," she said.
But she expected food would become more difficult for Bendigo Foodshare to access, and be in greater demand, if the spread of the virus changed business practices.
"Not everybody can perform their work duties from home," Ms Bentley said.
Being unable to work would strain people's finances.
"Bendigo Foodshare supports the community and will continue to support it the best we can," Ms Bentley said.
She encouraged people to be vigilant about hand hygiene, to look out for their neighbours and to keep supporting Bendigo Foodshare.
In a statement, the organisation pointed out that Victoria had a minimal number of reported cases of COVID-19, and central Victoria had none.
"We urge people to respond calmly and reasonably to this situation as some businesses are starting to experience stock shortages of affordable long-life foods, such as rice and pasta, and we're beginning to see the follow-on effects of panic buying," the statement said.
"Presently, there is enough food to go around if we remain calm, be mindful of others in the community and carry on with our normal buying habits."
Ms Bentley said pensioners and people living week-to-week were among those hit hardest by shortages related to stockpiling goods.
For more about donating to Bendigo Foodshare, click here.