My name is James Richardson, and I run the Facebook page Richmond Neighborhood Share. I’m not a big organization, a corporation, or a nonprofit with a building and a budget. I’m a husband, a family man, and a backyard pitmaster who started doing what I could to help people in my community.

Since February 2026, I’ve spent my own time, money, and energy smoking meat and providing free meals to people throughout Richmond and surrounding communities. What started as a simple idea has grown into something I never imagined. With help from generous supporters, local businesses, volunteers, and people who believe in what we’re doing, we’ve served more than 1,500 meals.

We’ve shown up in parks, supported community events, and helped feed people during difficult times. We’ve welcomed anyone who wanted a plate, because nobody should have to explain their circumstances or feel judged just to enjoy a meal.

My motto has always been simple: I do what I can when I can.

I never started this to get rich, become famous, or receive recognition. I started because I wanted to do something good for people. Every meal has represented more than food. It’s been an opportunity to bring people together, show kindness, and remind our neighbors that somebody cares.

But now, Richmond Neighborhood Share has been shut down because I don’t have access to a qualifying kitchen.

After months of cooking, serving, building relationships, and earning the support of this community, I’m facing the possibility of having to stop. It’s difficult to explain how it feels to build something from the ground up, see people appreciate it, and then have to put it on hold because of a requirement you cannot meet with the resources you have.

I understand that food safety is important. I am not asking for regulations to be ignored, and I am not asking to be exempt from requirements that protect the public. But I do believe there should be an opportunity to find a practical way forward.

I’m asking Richmond to help find a solution, not turn its back on an effort that has brought people together and provided free meals to our neighbors.

I am asking Mayor Ron Oler, city officials, local health officials, and community partners to help explore a workable path that would allow Richmond Neighborhood Share to continue operating in accordance with applicable requirements.

That could mean helping identify an approved kitchen, connecting me with an organization willing to partner with us, or finding another affordable arrangement that makes continued service possible.

Richmond Neighborhood Share is funded through my own contributions and community support. I don’t have the resources of a large organization, but I’ve continued doing what I can because I believe this work matters.

I’m not asking anyone to hand me a business, pay my bills, or bend the rules. I’m asking for a fair opportunity to continue something that has already made a difference.

Imagine what we could accomplish if the community worked together to solve this problem instead of allowing these meals to end.

Please stand with Richmond Neighborhood Share.

Sign this petition to show your support for keeping free Community Meal Days alive. Ask our local leaders to work toward a practical solution that allows these meals to continue safely and responsibly.

Every signature represents someone who believes that community service matters, that neighbors deserve support, and that good work is worth finding a way to preserve.

I never claimed I could change the world. I just wanted to make a difference where I could.

I do what I can when I can. Help me keep doing that for Richmond.