HEREFORD Food Bank has seen its stock levels plummet by 40 per cent since the start of the coronavirus outbreak as demand for help grows.

Calls for help have increased threefold and restrictions on how many items shoppers can buy in supermarkets have contributed to low stock levels, the food bank's manager said.

While the charity has managed to maintain financial donations, fewer items have been donated in supermarkets across the county and is not exempt from panic buying restrictions.

"In the last few weeks panic buying has depleted stocks and emptied shelves, we've been in the same position as any other customer," Jacqui Alsop said.

"My biggest challenge, along with my counterparts, is being able to supply fresh food. We don't have any bulk-buying status and we're desperately trying to forge relationships with supermarkets and are so far drawing a blank.

"Stocks have gone down by about 40 per cent and the level of service has increased threefold."

Ms Alsop said normal guidelines are being followed, where in order to get a food parcel an application needs to be made by a partner agency.

Donations can be made at most supermarkets in Hereford city centre, as well as at The Kindle Centre in Belmont Road on Tuesdays from 10am until 1pm.

A bakery in Hay-on-Wye and Bartonsham Farm Dairies are two businesses supplying bread and milk to the food bank, based in Monkmoor Street.

For more information visit herefordfoodbank.co.uk.