Photos of dumped food sparks anger as food banks cope with rise in demand
There has been widespread anger online after photographs emerged of dumped food, thought to have been bought by panic buyers.
It comes as food banks across the South East are having to cope with an increase in demand during the coronavirus outbreak.
The New Forest Basics Bank in Lymington has seen demand increase by about a third over the past couple of weeks, which is double what it was this time last year.
Demand is expected to rise further as people struggle with increasingly limited income.
The charity has had to find a new home too, at a time when people need it the most.
Despite the rise in demand, the charity has seen an increase in people offering to volunteer.
Younger people have been drafted in to replace the older volunteers who are self-isolating.
At the moment there is enough food thanks to generous donations and collections from supermarkets, but the charity says it is important that the food is distributed fairly.
The Deal Area Food Bank in Kent helps people who are referred to them by agencies such as Citizens Advice and church groups.
It has also seen a big change in the way it operates.
It now carries out more home deliveries after losing volunteers who are now self-isolating.
It is now helping an increasing number of elderly people who are struggling to manage on their own.