Redwood Free Market

Food insecurity threatens one in three college students nationally. Closer to home, 48% of UC Santa Cruz undergraduates say they experience food insecurity. This problem has both physical and academic consequences—when students don’t have consistent access to food, their well-being and studies are impacted.

The Redwood Free Market, formerly known as the Slug Support Food Pantry, supports the success of all students. Utilizing a holistic approach, we prioritize the needs of students above all else, offering a safe haven that promotes safety and well-being for UC Santa Cruz students.

Students rely on the Redwood Free Market to keep themselves nourished and healthy. During the 20/21 school year, the market logged 7,704 visits. The Fall quarter this year alone saw 3,676 visits. The Redwood Free Market is a critical resource for student success.

"Without the pantry, I would be struggling to budget every month for food costs and would be more concerned about money. The pantry allows me to eat good, fresh food and stay within my budget. It genuinely shifts me from constantly worrying if I can afford food to not having that be something I worry about, which is a huge benefit to my mental health and daily stress levels." - Student utilizing the Redwood Free Market

UC Santa Cruz partners with the local food bank to purchase food for the Redwood Free Market. Thanks to this partnership, every dollar donated to the Redwood Free Market goes even further. Every $1 donated provides 4 meals for a student in need. 

Every donation will put food in the hands of UC Santa Cruz students, allowing them to focus on their studies and thrive. Make your gift to the Redwood Free Market today.