Executive officer Dedy Friebe said the donations would help Food Share continue supplying welfare agencies with hampers for the vulnerable within the region.

"The appeal came at the right time to help us maintain our supply," he said. "We're going to be steady for the rocky times ahead.

"Our local demand is in check but we are expecting a turnaround when job funding stops."

Mr Friebe said the non-for profit saw a wide-variety of donations throughout the annual appeal including large cash donations and tinned food drop-offs.

The Warrnambool Freemason's also offered to upgrade the shelving in Food Share's fridge and freezer.

"Jimmi Buscombe created a lot of interest for us," Mr Friebe said. "He did a fantastic painting of the Ringtail Possum and people have been coming up to take a photo and donate some food.

"In the past couple of weeks we've had two-and-a-half tonnes of food from community groups like churches and staff at Coles.

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"Some people have started making ongoing contributions which has been overwhelming and the direction we want to be heading in. It's been pretty terrific."

Many of the donors throughout the appeal had been donors before but Mr Friebe was rapt to see donors from the south-west and afar contribute to the appeal.

Most importantly, Mr Friebe highlighted the ongoing work of his staff for continuing the work of the service.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of Food Share," he said.

"With social distancing we've had diminishing hands on but they've managed to keep everything in check."

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