An Edinburgh food bank has said that whilst it is not currently facing stock shortages due to the coronavirus pandemic it would urge locals "not to forget about us".
Bethany Biggar, the project's director, told Edinburgh Live that the outbreak could present a "double whammy" due to a possible shortage in donations as well as an increase in referrals if people can't work and children are out of school.
Bethany said: "We haven't noticed an impact yet, but it is still early and I do expect we will if [the virus] keeps spreading.
"We haven't noticed any particular concerns with our clients either."
The Trussell Trust, the biggest food bank charity in the UK, has described the outbreak as an "unprecedented challenge".
It said that where possible its network would continue to provide a lifeline to people who rely on it.
Their chief executive, Emma Revie, said: “Time and again over the past decade, food banks across the UK – aided by a generous public who have donated time, food and money – have stepped up to protect people on the lowest incomes in our communities.
"But with the spread of coronavirus we all now face an unprecedented challenge and uncertain future. It is possible that food banks will face increased demand as people lose income, at the same time as food donations drop or staff and volunteers are unavailable, due to measures rightly put in place to slow the spread of infection.
"All of this comes when food banks are already dealing with a record level of need for emergency food."
Concerns were raised previously about the impact on stockpiling on food banks, and whether people would stop donating as they worry about food supplies.
Bethany Biggar said the project had seen a increase in donations throughout the December, and this provided their stock levels with a buffer.
"What i'd say to the public is that if they stockpiling then to bare in mind that the people we support can't afford to stockpile.
"If they are picking up extra an extra toilet roll, then please do pick one up for us."
Bethany said the project had no plans for an urgent appeal, but would do so if they had to.
"It's a double whammy - stock goes down and referalls go up due to people being off sick and on statutory sick pay.
Sick pay, currently set at £94 per week, is some 20 per cent below the average wage.
Bethany explained that families could also face increased pressure on their food budget if schools are closed.
She also urged people to continue donating even if they are avoiding the supermarket, and those wishing to could either have drop items off at foodbanks directly or even donate the cash value.
"If you are in the supermarket then you can pop things in our baskets.
"I'd ask people to continue to support us in all the way they normally would, just don't forget about us," she said.
