We’re here to make sure every neighbor has access to healthy, nourishing food. Our walk-up distribution is designed to be simple and welcoming — most visitors register and receive groceries within a short time.
Who we serve
Low-income households in West Contra Costa County may apply to receive food from the Richmond Emergency Food Pantry. Once approved, your household will receive an emergency sack of food plus one large box of groceries each month.
Eligibility
- Any low-income household in Richmond or West Contra Costa Country may apply.
- Eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines; recertification happens once per year.
- Approved households may pick up one food package per month.
Location and Hours
2369 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804
(Located on the Grace Lutheran Church campus)
Free parking is available on nearby streets. The site is wheelchair-accessible, and volunteers can assist with carrying food to your car.
Distribution Days
Tuesdays & Fridays, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Please watch for holiday closure announcements.
What to Expect
Our-walk-up food distribution is designed to be a simple and welcoming process. Clients can register and receive food within a short amount of time.
- 1. Check in at registration
When you arrive, go to the registration area. You’ll be asked for your photo ID and basic information about your household, including number of children and number of adults in your household, and the first and last names and total monthly income of all of the adults. - 2. Get certified and receive your Gold Card
Once you are certified as eligible, you’ll receive a Gold Card that you’ll use for future visits. - 3. Receive your number or ticket
On distribution days, you will receive a number or food ticket for that day’s distribution. - 4. Wait for your number to be called
When your number is called, bring your Gold Card and ID to the distribution window. - 5. Pick up your groceries
Present your food ticket to the volunteer at the window and receive your groceries. Volunteers can help carry items if needed.
Appointments & Frequency
No appointment is necessary.
Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis during open hours. Approved households may receive food once per month.
Receiving Assistance
If you have questions, need help with forms, or require accessibility accommodations, please talk to a volunteer – we are happy to assist.
A typical food package
Each household receives a three-day emergency supply of nutritious groceries. Items very weekly based on donations and availability, but packages often include a mix of shelf-stable foods, fresh produce, and protein.
Shelf-stable foods
Rice, pasta, beans, cereal
Canned soup, vegetables, fruit, tomato sauce
Peanut butter and bread
Fruit juice and pantry staples
Protein options
Canned salmon, tuna, or chicken
Frozen meat, chicken, or fish (when available)
Other protein items from the Food Bank
Fresh & perishable items
Fresh potatoes and onions
Milk or dairy alternatives
Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables
Eggs and cheese (when available)
Please bring your own reusable bags whenever possible — it reduces waste and makes carrying your groceries easier.
More Food Resources
If you need additional support or different distribution days, our partners can help:
REFP is a part of a broader network serving West Contra Cost County. If we’re closed or you need assistance sooner, these partners may be able to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can receive food from REFP?
Any low-income household in Richmond and West Contra Costa County may apply. You will need to show a valid photo ID and declare your monthly household income.
When is the Pantry open?
REFP is open Tuesdays and Fridays, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please check for holiday closures.
How often can I receive food?
Approved households may pick up food once per month.
What is included in a typical food package?
Packages may include canned and fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta, bread, soup, peanut butter, cereal, meat or fish, and milk. Items may vary depending on availability.
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment is necessary. Numbers are handed out on a first come first served basis beginning around 7:00 a.m. Food distribution begins at 11 a.m. and clients are served in numerical order.
How can I volunteer?
REFP is 100% volunteer! You can sign up to help with food distribution, packing, unloading truck from Food Bank, and/or administrative tasks by visiting our Volunteer page. Once you have provided your contact information, our volunteer coordinator will call you.
Is REFP really run by volunteers?
Yes. Since it opened in 1971, REFP has been 100% volunteer with no paid staff.
Non-discrimination statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital or family status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA (not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the agency responsible for the program or USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 711. Program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) or write a letter to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; fax to (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution — Richmond Emergency Food Pantry — is an equal opportunity provider.
Get in touch
Don’t hesitate to reach out to begin your journey or ask any questions. We’re ready to assist and look forward to connecting with you soon.