Client assessment manager Bev Miatke said the coronavirus outbreak had left many people unemployed and with a financial burden. She said the centre expected to see a rise in clients.

"We are trying to help as many people as possible without knowing how long this crisis is going to go on for," Mrs Miatke said.

The food centre has, like everyone else, faced difficulties in buying supplies from the supermarket, especially toilet paper, pasta and sugar.

Mrs Miatke said the centre had started rationing the stock to make sure enough food was available for all clients.

"We can't buy food in bulk like we usually do and supermarkets can't give us more than the personal limit... we are also having to access the food bank more than usual," she said.

"We still have some supply but at this rate it is going to run out fairly quickly."

The centre has made changes to its processes to "protect clients and volunteers". Mrs Miatke said the centre implemented a telephone interview process to minimise the contact between staff and clients.

People can call and leave their details and the centre will call them back and offer a standardised list.

Mrs Miatke said the centre also continued to assist people with bills, medical prescriptions and fuel for out-of-town medical appointments.

"If anyone has food on their shelves that they are not going to use, please bring it to our back door and we will be happy to take it," she said.

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