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. 333-1251) pertaining to the Super Rite Foods, Inc. Employee Investment
Opportunity Plan of our report dated June 25, 1999, with respect to the
financial statements and schedules of the Super Rite Foods, Inc. Employee
Investment Opportunity 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