BENDIGO Foodshare is seeking more volunteers to see it through the coronavirus pandemic.
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Manager Bridget Bentley said the service had seen an increase in the need for food and essential items from people who had been unable to buy items for themselves or their family from supermarkets or shops.
"As this pandemic continues and containment measures are put into place, we expect the need for our volunteer-run service to grow even further," Ms Bentley said.
"At the same time, we know over the coming weeks and months, many people who regularly volunteer may not be able to - especially if they're being advised to stay at home.
"We're asking healthy community members to consider helping the less fortunate during this unprecedented time by volunteering their time or services with our organisation."
Volunteer opportunities range from cooking meals for those unable to leave their homes to warehouse sorting of fresh produce.
There are opportunities to get involved in project managing, fundraising, fruit picking, food rescuing, being a food rescue driver, and collecting food from food drive groups - and more.
"Volunteering doesn't need to be arduous, it can be a few hours here and there or something larger, depending on the person's availability, health and fitness and skills," Ms Bentley said.
"Many tasks can even be done from your own home, provided you have a computer and an internet connection."
Bendigo Foodshare has been recognised as an essential service and will continue its work to support people needing emergency food relief.
It is continuing to supply staple pantry items and fresh produce to 90 charities, community organisations and schools, which are considered essential services in relation to food relief, to distribute to their communities.
Bendigo Foodshare said it had made changes to its practices and procedures based on the best practice and advice from government and relevant authorities and was monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely.
The City of Greater Bendigo is supporting Bendigo Foodshare's call for volunteers.
Interested persons have been encouraged to email volunteer@bendigofoodshare.org.au for a registration form.
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