Panic-buying due to the coronavirus has led to fewer donations to UK food banks, and some must even ration essential goods to needy people, experts said Wednesday.
Sabine Goodwin, coordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network, which represents some 200 British food banks, said there was "anecdotal" evidence that public concern over the coronavirus was beginning to hit food supplies for the most vulnerable.
"I have seen some reports of donations (to food banks) being reduced," Goodwin told AFP, adding: "We are seeing a reduction in donations and some of the food banks are rationing."
Some reports suggested donations had reduced by up to a quarter in recent days in parts of London and eastern Scotland. In addition, essentials such as long-life milk had run out as people stockpiled goods.
At the same time, the chief executive of the Trussell Trust, which has a national network of 1,200 food banks, said it faced an "unprecedented challenge" due to the virus.
"With the spread of coronavirus we all now face an unprecedented challenge and uncertain future," said Emma Revie in a statement.
"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."
In recent days goods such as toilet paper, soap and tinned food have been stripped from British shop shelves amid panic over the spread of the virus.
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