Hotels and restaurants have been donating leftover food to the organisation since Monday, when government restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus meant they either closed or became dependent on takeaway orders.

The Rifle Brigade Hotel is credited with setting the trend, presenting Bendigo Foodshare with 160kg of food on Monday.

The Woodhouse came soon after, with a 290kg donation.

The Foundry Hotel and Mister Bobs Sports Bar donated more than 110kg of food.

Bendigo Foodshare manager Bridget Bentley said the support from the hospitality industry had been amazing.

"It puts us in a really good position," she said.

Though stocks of fresh produce were looking "very healthy", Ms Bentley said further donations would be welcomed, particularly non-perishable pantry staples like rice, pasta and canned foods.

She said the strength of the hospitality industry had been evident.

At a time when the industry was having to make difficult decisions, Ms Bentley said people had seemed to take comfort in knowing the leftover food was going to a good cause.

Schools and businesses have also been making donations.

It comes as demand for food relief increases under the conditions created by the coronavirus pandemic - and Bendigo Foodshare knows it's only likely to keep growing.

The organisation has appealed for additional volunteers to see it through the pandemic.

To donate to Bendigo Foodshare, click here.

To express interest in volunteering, email volunteer@bendigofoodshare.org.au for a registration form.

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