Roadmap to Food Security

MATCHING FUNDS AVAILABLE!
An anonymous donor has generously provided a $5,000 match that will double all gifts for the duration of this campaign or until all matching funds are spent.

Students thrive when their basic needs are met. When students have stable and reliable access to food and housing, they are better able to focus on their studies, connect with their peers and professors, participate in extracurricular activities, and fully engage with all aspects of their UC Santa Cruz experience. According to a University of California survey, nearly 43% of undergraduates report having limited or uncertain access to food. The University of California office of the President and UC Santa Cruz are committed to reducing food and  insecurity by 50% in 2025. 

It is an audacious goal. You can help us achieve it.

We connect students with the resources they need to succeed and thrive.

We believe there is strength in community. UCSC is engaging in a campus-wide strategic effort to connect students with the reduces they need, when they need them. The result, is a roadmap to food security, comprised of five campus programs that ensure our students have the nutrients they need. We invite you to join our momentum in ensuring every student has food at their table. 

A gift to the Foodways Fund supports efforts across the five different areas on campus that empowers students with sustenance and success:

Field to Plate Food Security

Across the UCSC campus, students engage in field and kitchen internships, plant, harvest, and access free, organic, farm-fresh produce at a variety of basic needs distribution sites, including a twice-a-week pop-up market, and non-transactional cafe space.

Expanding Access and Pantry Resources

The Redwood Market—a non-transactional market space to support students—sources fresh and prepared food items as well as supplemental hygiene, baby products, and other essentials to support student success

Holistic CalFresh Support

UCSC provides support for student CalFresh enrollment and renewal as well as supplemental aid for non-eligible food insecure student populations, including undocumented students, underground scholars, and international students. 

Slug Support

UCSC’s Slug Support program identifies students who are navigating difficult or challenging situations and helps them resolve their concerns. Taking a holistic, student-centered approach and working as an interdisciplinary team in partnership with other campus programs, Slug Support helps students focus on their time at UC Santa Cruz and reduces barriers to graduation. 

Student Basic Needs Research Assessment
Resources will provide experiential learning opportunities by funding undergraduate and graduate student positions as well as publication and education materials