If you’re low on groceries or your budget’s got you stretched thin, Richmond has solid options for food banks. The main spot most people head to is the Richmond Food Bank Society, with their main location at 100-5800 Cedarbridge Way. They’ve been doing this for years—and yes, you can just show up. Their hours change each day (think mornings some days, afternoons or evenings others), so it’s smart to check the latest schedule before you go. You can do that on their website or by calling 604-271-5609.

Don’t worry about fancy paperwork or proof of income—they keep things pretty simple. The food bank’s staff and volunteers want you to feel welcome. If it’s your first time, it helps to bring some ID for everyone in your household, plus your own reusable bags. That way you don’t have to juggle boxes or rely on the thin plastic bags they hand out. They hand out groceries based on your family size, so nobody walks away empty-handed.

• Main Food Bank Locations in Richmond
• What to Bring and How It Works
• Tips for a Smooth Visit
• Other Resources for Groceries
• How to Help or Get Involved

Main Food Bank Locations in Richmond

Finding help in Richmond isn’t a guessing game—you’ve got a few options, but the big name is the Richmond food bank at 100-5800 Cedarbridge Way. It's right off the Lansdowne SkyTrain station, making it easy to get to even if you don’t have a car. Their main hub serves hundreds of people each week, and they offer everything from fresh produce to canned goods and sometimes even baby supplies.

But that's not the only place handing out groceries in Richmond. The food bank actually has a bunch of drop-in hubs around the city, working together to share the load. Here are some of the other main pickup locations and their hours as of June 2025:

• South Arm United Church (11051 No. 3 Road): Open Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 pm
• East Richmond (Peace Mennonite Church) (11571 Daniels Road): Thursdays, 5-6:30 pm
• Gilmore Park United Church (8060 No. 1 Road): Saturdays, 10 am-12 pm

Most spots operate once a week—days and times can shift, so always check before making the trip. You don’t need an appointment—just show up when the food bank is open, and line up. If you’re closer to Steveston, you can grab food at the drop-in at South Arm United or Gilmore Park on their distribution days.

Fraser Health says,

"Community food banks like Richmond's provide essential support to families who may be facing a tough month or an unexpected expense. The food bank system is meant to be easy to access and judgement-free."

If you’re struggling to get by, nobody’s going to give you a hard time for asking for help—that’s literally what these places exist for.

Here’s a quick overview so you can compare locations and hours:

Location	Address	Opening Day/Time	Contact
Richmond Food Bank Main Hub	100-5800 Cedarbridge Way	Mon, Tue, Thu (various times)	604-271-5609
South Arm United Church	11051 No. 3 Road	Wednesdays 3:30-5:30 pm	-
Peace Mennonite Church	11571 Daniels Road	Thursdays 5-6:30 pm	-
Gilmore Park United Church	8060 No. 1 Road	Saturdays 10 am-12 pm	-

Most people find the main hub has the biggest selection, but sometimes smaller hubs have shorter lines. If you’re in a real bind, try calling ahead or checking the Richmond Food Bank’s website—it's usually updated with any special openings or emergency closures.

What to Bring and How It Works

The first thing to know: you don’t need to jump through tons of hoops to get help from the Richmond food bank. All they ask is that you bring ID for every member of your household. This could be something as simple as a driver's license, BC Services Card, or even a child’s library card or report card. If you have proof of your address, that’s a nice bonus, but it’s not a strict requirement for most locations.

Packing your own sturdy, reusable bags will make everything smoother and faster when you’re picking up groceries. You don’t want to be stuck with more than you can carry or end up with torn plastic bags halfway to the bus stop.

Once you arrive, here’s how it usually goes:

• Sign in at the desk with your ID. If it’s your first time, they’ll ask a few basic questions—mostly about how many people are in your household and whether you have dietary needs or allergies.
• You’ll get a number or join a short lineup. It moves pretty quickly, especially at busy times.
• Staff or volunteers will guide you through the food choices. Most food banks do a pre-packed bag that fits your family size, but sometimes there’s a table with things you can choose—think bread, fresh produce, or whatever extra donations came in that week.
• Check the schedules. Some locations are open for "shopping style" hours where you pick your own items, while others just hand over a pre-packed bag. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter, with shorter waits.

No proof of income is needed in Richmond, so don’t stress about bringing pay stubs or paperwork. They’re not there to judge—just to help get food on your table. And if you have questions about allergies or food restrictions, speak up. Most volunteers know what’s in the bags and can help find swaps if needed.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

The last thing you want when you show up at the Richmond food bank is stress. Here’s how to make your trip quick and hassle-free.

• Check the Hours: Opening times change based on the day. For example, the Richmond Food Bank on Cedarbridge Way is open Monday 3:30–5:00 PM, Wednesday 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00–11:30 AM. Always peek at their website or call to confirm. Nothing’s worse than showing up and seeing the doors shut.
• Arrive Early, but Not Too Early: Lines can start before doors open, but you don’t have to camp out. Getting there about 10–15 minutes early usually does the trick.
• Bring Reusable Bags or a Sturdy Cart: Groceries can get heavy, and food banks often don’t hand out bags. Dragging a wheeled shopping cart makes things easier, especially if you’re picking up for a larger household.
• ID for Everyone in Your Household: They might ask for some ID, like a CareCard, Driver’s License, or even something showing your address. If you don’t have that stuff, most staff are understanding—but it helps speed things up.
• Keep Your Cool During Busy Times: The busiest times are usually right when the food bank opens and right before it closes. Mid-session, things slow down, so you might get in and out faster.

If you have dietary restrictions, let them know when you check in. They try to set aside gluten-free or diabetic-friendly foods, though it depends on what’s been donated that week.

Recent Weekly Visitors at Richmond Food Bank (Spring 2025)

Week	Visitors
April 7–13	990
April 14–20	1,120
April 21–27	1,080
April 28–May 4	1,145

If you’re worried about privacy, don’t stress. The food bank doesn’t share your info with anyone unless you tell them it’s okay. Lastly, if you’re running especially late and have trouble getting there during scheduled hours, you can try calling ahead—sometimes they’ll set aside a package if you explain your situation.

Other Resources for Groceries

The Richmond food bank isn’t the only place to get help with groceries in the city. If the main location is too busy, or the timing doesn’t work, there are other solid options worth checking out.

For starters, St. Alban’s Church on 7260 St. Alban’s Road has a community meal every Thursday evening. It’s free and open to anyone—no questions asked. Meals usually start at 6:00pm, and the atmosphere is friendly. Some weeks they even give out bags of bread, fruits, or canned goods to take home.

Chimo Community Services offers emergency food bags for families facing sudden crisis. You’ll need to call ahead at 604-279-7077 since supplies sometimes run low. They’re pretty understanding if you explain your situation, and they can often point you toward even more options.

If you’ve got school-aged kids, most Richmond schools take part in breakfast and lunch programs. Just talk to the school office or a counselor—they’re discreet and don’t make a fuss. Some schools even send home weekend food packs for families who need the extra help.

• The Caring Place on 7000 Minoru Blvd has a food hamper day a few times a month. You’ll want to call or check their Facebook page for next dates and details.
• The Sharing Farm hands out fresh produce through their "Harvest Baskets" program. Their season runs from June through October and pick-up is at Terra Nova Rural Park.
• Local Sikh temples (gurdwaras) like Nanaksar Gurdwara at 18691 Westminster Hwy offer free meals (langar) every day, open to all backgrounds.

Last tip—don’t forget about Richmond’s community fridges. There’s one at Richmond Public Market (8260 Westminster Hwy). Anyone can leave or take food, no sign-up needed. It’s stocked with basics—think rice, pasta, canned veggies—by the community for the community.

If you ever feel stuck, the staff and volunteers at every one of these places genuinely want to help. Richmond’s got your back, whatever your situation.

How to Help or Get Involved

Getting involved with your local Richmond food bank is easier than most people think. If you want to give back, you’ve got plenty of ways to do it: volunteer your time, donate food, or pitch in with cash so they can buy essentials. The Richmond Food Bank Society is mostly run by volunteers—they have around 250 active helpers as of June 2025. No fancy credentials are needed; they’ll train you right away, whether you’re stocking shelves, handing out groceries, or sorting donations in the back.

Want to donate food? Think practical: pasta, rice, canned beans, peanut butter, and diapers always run out fast. They also need fresh stuff, but check their guidelines (some days they’re set up to accept produce, other days just non-perishables). Cash helps more than most people realize. For every dollar, food banks can buy up to three times more food than you’d get at the store yourself, thanks to bulk deals with suppliers.

• Register as a volunteer online at richmondfoodbank.org
• Drop off food at the main warehouse Monday to Friday, 10am–3pm
• Set up automatic monthly donations on their website
• Organize a food drive at work, school, or with friends (they’ll help you with signs and pick-up, just ask)

Richmond Food Bank: 2024 by the Numbers

Volunteers	People Helped Weekly	Food Hampers Given Out
250+	Over 2,000	Nearly 50,000

If you have a couple of hours a week or a few cans in the cupboard, you can make a real difference here. Even spreading the word on social media or at your apartment building helps more people know where to get support—or how to offer it. The food bank runs on community energy, not big paychecks or government grants. It’s the regular folks showing up who keep the shelves stocked and the lights on.