On any day Food Share provides 250 meals via 21 hampers to about 50 people across the region.

Executive officer Dedy Friebe said in 2019 the service provided 46,000 meals via 5300 hampers to 13,500 people.

This year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Friebe said the south-west community had already proven to be generous.

"On the eve of the appeal, the community is already starting to rally in support for us," he said.

"We've had a lot more donations than normal to support us and we are well-placed to be able to handle increases thanks to the community."

Mr Friebe said Food Share delivered a record number of hampers in March at the beginning of the virus outbreak.

He estimated an increase of 30 per cent in demand for hampers.

As a result, the non-for-profit organisation brought in more products to distribute to about 100 registered agencies, including welfare groups and south-west residents.

"Our work has increased as we've introduced new products. We have additional hampers for the homeless, these are emergency hampers. There are bulk amounts of these going out to services as well," he said.

From Monday there will be many ways to donate to the independent operation to bolster its supplies.

The theme of this year's appeal is Give a Fiver to Food Share.

Food donation bins accept canned food, pasta and spreads and are located at Gateway Plaza Coles, Coles in Lava Street, Woolworths Norfolk Plaza, Woolworths East Warrnambool, People's Choice Credit Union, South West Credit Union and the Food Share warehouse on Harrington Road.

Money donations can be dropped in the boxes at Brown's Depot, Bakers Delight east, Dan Murphy's, Flying Horse Bar and Brewery, Godfreys, Nextra Newsagency, Monaghans, Fish Tales and the Meat Barn.

Online donations can be made through mycause.com.au with more information through the Food Share Facebook page.

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