Exhibit 23


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Board of Directors
Richfood Holdings, Inc.

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-41570)  pertaining to the Richfood  Holdings,  Inc. Savings and Stock
Ownership Plan of our report dated June 25, 1999,  with respect to the financial
statements  and  schedules  of the  Richfood  Holdings,  Inc.  Savings and Stock
Ownership  Plan  included in this Annual  Report  (Form 11-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1998.

                                      /s/Ernst & Young LLP

Richmond, Virginia
June 25, 1999