UC Merced Basic Needs Hub
Our modified office hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Please refer to this page for any changes to our operating hours and services that may arise during this time. Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns about Basic Needs resources, please contact us at basicneeds@ucmerced.edu.
Bobcat Pantry
Please complete the grocery bag pick-up form bi-weekly before visiting the pantry! Click here to sign up. When you visit UC Merced to pick up your grocery bag, please be sure that you are wearing a protective face covering. At this time, the Basic Needs department is currently working on securing additional toiletry items.
Location: Bellevue Lot (Drive-Thru Distribution)
Contact: Elizabeth Rodriguez Cruz, erodriguezcruz@ucmerced.edu
Phone: (209) 316-8136
NOTE: If you are not in Merced, you can go to any nearby UC with a Food Pantry and pick up food. Just bring your UCM Catcard!
CalFresh
The CalFresh office has moved to remote operations. Our student staff will be monitoring emails and directing them to the Human Service Agency (HSA) representative. HSA will reach out to students via phone only. Our CalFresh Advocates are available for Zoom application assistance and presentations if needed. Please direct all communication/requests to calfreshoutreach@ucmerced.edu using your UC Merced email. To find out how you can sign up for an application assistance appointment with one of our student staff, visit our CalFresh page!
Financial Coaching
Are you feeling financial anxiety or stress? Let's come up with a financial action plan to help you succeed now, and in the future. Schedule your one-on-one chat with Charah Coleman, UC Merced's very own Financial Wellness Coordinator, for more information. Click here.
USDA Food Distribution
Open to all students, staff and community members in need of food assistance! The USDA Commodities Program (also known as the Emergency Food Assistance Program) is a federal program that provides monthly food packages to individuals and families who meet income guidelines set by the federal government. The Merced County Food Bank administers the program and distributes USDA-provided food to individuals at more than 24 distribution sites every month throughout Merced and Mariposa Counties. Click HERE to learn more!
Location: Merced Community College (Parking Lot 2) - Off of G St
Contact Email: foodpantry@ucmerced.edu
Upcoming Dates: November 20 & December 18, Starting at 10 AM
Volunteer Opportunities: Click here
Pop-Up People's Pantry
The Pop-Up People's Pantry is a free food distribution at the 18th St. People's Garden. Please wear a face covering and practice social distancing. The Pantry also accepts monetary and food donations. More information about Pop-up People's Pantry can be found here.
Location: 936 W. 18th Street
Contact: Erin Meyer, emeyer4@ucmerced.edu
Number: (209) 205-8102
Dates: Every Saturday
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
People's Fridge
The People’s Fridge is Merced’s first community fridge. Anyone can take free produce and anyone can leave produce donations. It is free and open to all. No ID or anything else is required. Please wear gloves and a mask when visiting and practice social distancing.
- Whole fruit and vegetables can be placed in the Donation Drop-Off Station in the blue shed.
- If you notice issues with the fridge, you can contact Erin Meyer.
Location: 936 W. 18th St.
Contact: Erin Meyer, emeyer4@ucmerced.edu
Number: (209) 205-8102
Hours of Operation: Every day 9 am - 5 pm
Foster Nation
The Foster Nation program helps provide Guardian Scholars with 30 consecutive days of meals from local establishments which can be picked up daily from the establishment or delivered weekly through a meal prep company. Scholars interested should fill out the application here and wait for approval. A video link that shows how to request meals is provided here. This resource is only available for the Fall 2020 semester. If you would like to find out more information about Foster Nation, please visit their website.