Store manager Helen Esdaile said the number of customers had doubled in the past few weeks.

Just last week 400 families shopped at the store.

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"And we're expecting a whole lot more now that people have been laid off work," Ms Esdaile said.

"In fact, I've had a couple of the employment agencies call me this morning and ask if we can help people out - so they're going to be sending folk here."

Anyone on a low income or no income is able to access the groceries.

The store will try to continue to operate as long as it can to help those in need and has taken a number of hygienic and social distancing measures.

Hand sanitiser is available at the entrance of the store and only 10 people are allowed in at a time.

"I'm grateful I have got staff so committed to the people who are doing it tough that they're prepared to come in and put their lives on the line as well," Ms Esdaile said.

"We're in it together and we're all taking care."

The store gets most of their stock from Foodbank but donations (of food or money) from the community go a long way to helping the store.

The Nowra Community Food Store is located at unit 10/158 Princes Highway South Nowra and is open from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

If you'd like to donate, volunteer or find out more information you can contact Helen on 0429 460730 or 4423 2334.