What is the UCI Basic Needs Center?

UCI Basic Needs Center offers a variety of services to UC Irvine students to help them meet their basic needs. From food pantry visits, CalFresh Application Assistance, to consultations with our social workers. We strive to offer support from a holistic approach. 

Our Services

Food Resources

Emergency meal swipes, grocery card support, Zot Bites, and our FRESH pantry.


CalFresh Application Assistance

1-1 CalFresh application assistance appointments via Zoom.


Housing Resources

Temporary, on-campus housing to students currently facing homelessness.

Are you new to the Basic Needs Center?

We’re here to help! Here are some steps you can take to be updated and more involved:

Take our Basic Needs Assessment!

How are you doing in taking your basic needs? Find out by taking the Basic Needs Assessment!

Visit our Getting Started page!

Learn more about how the center works and our resources below!

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay up to date with our hours, events, and opportunities!

View our Community Resources Guide!

Need more resources? Our Community Resources page has a compiled list of resources to help you out.

Get Involved!

The UCI Basic Needs Center offers many opportunities to become involved in our work! We offer volunteer opportunities, employment opportunities, and field study placement for students! We also are open to collaborations from outside organizations and accept monetary and perishable donations.