A Melbourne man accused of abusing supermarket purchasing limits amid a wave of coronavirus panic buying had actually been resourcing items for those in need.

Several angry Coles customers shared images of the man online, suggesting he was buying the goods with the intent of “profiteering” by sending overseas or selling on the black market.

Earlier this month, the supermarket placed further restrictions on items as shelves continued to be stripped bare.

The purchase of mince, pasta, flour, dry rice, eggs, frozen vegetables, frozen desserts, sugar, long-life milk, canned tomatoes, liquid soap, nappies, paper towels, paper tissues and hand sanitisers is limited to two items per customer to ensure access for all.

Some pointed out the items he had purchased didn’t fall under the supermarket giant’s existing purchasing policy.

The restaurant purchased items including tuna, juice and coffee to distribute to international students. Credit: Facebook

It wasn’t enough for some shoppers, however, who hurled racist remarks.

But the man seen in the photo isn’t looking to strip shelves bare or capitalise on coronavirus fears.

Instead, he is part of the team at Mama Lor Restaurant & Bakery Melbourne who is creating more than 50 bags of food for struggling international students.

The man is part of the team at Mama Lor Restaurant & Bakery Melbourne. Credit: Facebook

Managing Director Joshua Bantiles told 7NEWS.com.au the restaurant had “extended our helping hand and support to those in need” following the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The company purchased the following at Coles Werribee on Tuesday:

Two packs of Century Tuna per person

One can of Heinz Beans per person

One can of Spam per person

10 packs of coffee per person

One dozen eggs for each person

2L Juice per person

Frozen Goods (Pork Sausage & Bacon)

4kgs of jasmine rice per person

Mama Lor’s will also gift each recipient with one dozen Pandesal (Filipino bread rolls) and one pack of Hopia Ube/Baboy (Filipino Mooncake).

‘Very tough time’

Bantiles said they would move to distribute the goods on Friday at the Werribee restaurant, with students required to present their ID at the door to claim a bag.

While it has been a “very tough time” for the business following federal government restrictions which limits them to take away, Bantiles says they feel “blessed”, and want to support those facing tougher times.

“We chose to support international students because we know that most of them depend on their part-time jobs but since they’re now unemployed it would be very hard for them,” he said.

The restaurant also plans to take the initiative to its second outpost in Sydney’s Rooty Hill. Credit: Facebook

“We all know that they won’t get any financial support from the government because they’re not residents, so it just breaks our heart.”

He addressed the backlash received online saying hate comments were to be expected.

“People will always say what they want to say and we can’t avoid that,” he said.

“What matters is the real purpose.”

More on 7NEWS.com.au

A Coles spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au the company had “seen and heard some wonderful examples of how communities are banding together to support each other during these challenging times”.

However, Coles continues to urge customers to be “considerate in the way they shop and stick to the product limits”.

“This will help everyone, especially the elderly and people with disability, during this time.”