The coronavirus pandemic has forced thousands of Australians out of work and put incredible strain on those business owners lucky enough to continue trading.

Many are finding themselves unemployed for the first time in their lives and are struggling to make ends meet.

But FoodCare Orange want people to know that they are here to help keep food on the table.

FoodCare Orange is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation that provide affordable fresh food, grocery and household items to people on low incomes.

“We buy groceries from Food Bank in Sydney which we sell significantly cheaper than supermarket prices,” said committee member Lee Cook.

“Our stock is limited, and it is a bit of a lucky dip. So, you can't do a whole shop with us, but you can do some basics and you can get them from half to two thirds off what you'd pay in the supermarket.

“We get fruit and veg from the supermarkets as well that is at the end of its shelf life and that stuff we give away… we almost always have bread to give away... it might be day old, but it's bread and sometimes we have eggs, occasionally we have meat. So, it is a good deal for people who are scratching or in any sort of difficulty.”

For those in serious financial difficulty, Lee said vouchers are available from Vinnies, the Salvation Army or Housing Plus that can be redeemed in their March Street shop.

“At this stage we haven't seen a big increase in our turnover with the virus, but we did just want to let people know that the shop is still operating,” said Lee.

“And there would be a lot of people who wouldn't know about FoodCare and realise they can actually get much cheaper food and basics than the supermarkets.”

In order to comply with social distancing requirements, the shop itself is closed to the public. Instead, people fill in a shopping list, which is available on their website, and the volunteers pick and pack the goods.

“We have changed the way we operate in that we are now giving people a list to select from rather than having them in the shop,” said Lee.

“We are encouraging people to look at the website and preferably download the form, so they are not hanging around longer to fill in the form… They can get it filled in at home, bring that form down, hand it over with their money and shopping bags and we'll deliver the goods to them across the counter.”

FoodCare Orange, located at 142 Marsh Street (next to Meals on Wheels), is open 10.30am to 1pm Tuesday to Thursday. Transport can also be arranged for those who need it.

For more information visit www.foodcareorange.org.au or call 0447 577 884.