Food insecurity is a daily reality for thousands of people in the Peel region.
A quick glance around the local Foodbank branch and you can see why the work they do is so important.
Volunteers are busy scurrying about, helping to fill up the trolleys of Mandurah residents with essential food items they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford.
Before COVID-19, food insecurity was already a major problem in the Peel region with Foodbank in constant need of grocery and financial donations to stay afloat.
However, after an increasing number of people found themselves in unprecedented situations due to the global pandemic, many more locals have needed to ask for help.
The initial threat of the crisis left Foodbank Peel in dire straits as hoarders and panic buyers stripped the shelves.
Foodbank Peel manager, Megan Reynolds, said they "really felt the pinch".
"As with many businesses and charities, COVID-19 harshly affected our ability to provide for people in need and our services were severely compromised - our shelves were completely empty," she said.
"Our distribution centres were quickly transformed from a traditional grocery shopping experience to a 'hamper only' service to comply with the government's strict health and distancing conditions.
"This was a necessary change to allow us to continue to provide an essential service during this uncertain time, while also keeping staff, volunteers, agencies and customers safe."
Foodbank was able to adapt quickly to continue to provide essential grocery items to people in need of emergency food relief.
Across the state, both Everyday hampers and COVID-19 Emergency Food Relief hampers were packed and distributed to communities in need in WA's metro, regional and remote areas.
Foodbank WA chief executive, Greg Hebble, said they would have never been able to provide for the growing number of people in crisis during the pandemic without the support of their partners and the community.
"The COVID-19 Emergency Food Relief hampers are filled with shelf stable food products for easy transportation, storage and nutritional consumption, which will better meet the rapidly rising need for food across metro, regional and remote communities," he said.
"This has been the most challenging time in our 25 year history, however it has been wonderful to see that community spirit is strong here in Western Australia.
"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, Alcoa and local community groups as they have helped us continue to operate through these testing and uncertain times and to purchase essential food and groceries to pack and distribute COVID-19 Emergency Food Relief Hampers."
Despite the immediate health risk of coronavirus easing in WA, the economic and social impacts will be long lasting.
With so many industries hit hard by the pandemic, Foodbank WA is expecting to see a steep rise in the number of people needing food assistance once the government stimulus and support packages finish.
Ms Reynolds said she knew many Peel families would continue to experience financial hardship over the coming months.
"While the numbers accessing our services in the Peel region have remained fairly steady over the last few months, we are bracing for higher demand when West Australians find themselves without a job or government support," she said.
"We are currently planning for that scenario.
"It's fantastic to see how quickly we have been able to adapt our operations and continue to provide essential food and groceries, especially to our locals who heavily rely on us in times like these."
To donate to Foodbank WA's Winter Appeal, visit www.foodbank.org.au or call 9258 9277. If you are in need of food assistance, call 1800 979 777.
