Nourishing Our Community, Together
The Rafiki Community Market is a new initiative from Rafiki Coalition to provide free, healthy, and culturally relevant food available to our San Francisco 94124 residents.
Why We’re Doing This
At Rafiki Coalition, we believe food is more than nutrition—it is culture, joy, and dignity. In San Francisco, Black and underserved communities experience some of the deepest food insecurity and health inequities in the nation. Too many families in San Francisco struggle to access fresh and affordable groceries due to rising costs, displacement, and systemic inequities.
The Rafiki Community Market is here to change that. More than a distribution site, it is a model of dignity-centered food access, designed to empower families with choice, build cultural connection through food, and reduce stigma around receiving support.
We’ve created a space where you and your family can shop freely for fresh produce and pantry items, connect with resources, and experience food access with dignity and choice.
This is your market. This is your community.
Our Model
Unlike traditional food pantries, the Rafiki Community Market is set up like a grocery store. Families check in, shop for the items they choose, and leave with nutritious groceries that meet their cultural and dietary needs.
We work in partnership with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank to ensure that families receive high-quality food in a safe, welcoming environment bringing fresh produce, pantry staples, and holistic wellness resources to the heart of Bayview.
Location & Schedule
5000 Third Street, San Francisco, CA
Open Mondays 1:30 – 3:30 PM*
(Pop-up market distribution begins September 29th, 2025)
* Schedule subject to change as we transition to a permanent market — check back for updates!
How to Access the Rafiki Community Market
Step 2
Confirmation from SF-Marin Food Bank
Within 2–3 weeks, you will receive a phone call and a letter confirming your enrollment. You will also receive your access card in the mail.
Step 3
Schedule Your First Pick-Up
Once your card arrives, you can schedule a time to pick up groceries. Please note:
- There are no drop-ins at this time.
- If you show up on a distribution day without being scheduled, you won’t receive groceries that day. However, you can be added to the list for a future date.
Step 4
Visit the Market
Come to the Rafiki Community Market at 5000 Third Street on your scheduled day and time.
Step 5
Check In and Shop Freely
Bring your own bags, check in with your card, and shop as you would at any grocery store. Our market is designed to give you the freedom to choose the foods that matter most to you. Navigators will be available to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Who Can Shop at the Market
The Rafiki Community Market is for people connected to the Bayview community.
You can sign up if you:
- You must live in San Francisco in the 94124 zip code.
- Low-to-moderate income (about at or below twice the federal poverty level).
- No proof of income required — eligibility is based on self-attestation.
- Each household may only attend one weekly San Francisco-Marin Food Bank grocery distribution.
For additional accommodations and pantries, please visit
https://foodlocator.sfmfoodbank.org/en/faq/pantry
Sign Up to Learn More
Stay updated as we move from temporary pop-up to permanent market. Fill out the form below and we’ll keep you informed on launch dates, volunteer opportunities, and food access programs.
Our Partner
The Rafiki Community Market is made possible through the support of:
Together, we are working to expand equitable food access and reduce barriers for families across the Bay Area.
Check back often — and join us on this journey toward food justice and community healing. Your support helps ensure that every family has access to healthy food and a place of dignity.
Here’s how to stay involved:
- Donate to sustain our community market.
- Share this resource with neighbors and friends.
For more information and FAQs about the food pantry or additional food access points, visit:
https://foodlocator.sfmfoodbank.org/en/faq/pantry.
