Food Assistance
UCSF offers a variety of food resources to students. All UCSF students may access the following programs below.
Student Food Market at UCSF
Every Thursday, the Student Food Market offers a variety of fresh produce and other healthy staples, free of charge, to UCSF students. You must register in advance to use this program. Locations at Mission Bay and Parnassus.
Please register in advance of your first pick-up to use the market at the campus location most convenient for you, on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. (Sorry, no drop-ins.)
Student Food Market Parnassus
Student Success Center
Millberry Union, 100W
Every Thursday, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Student Food Market Mission Bay
Student Services at Mission Bay
Mission Hall 1300 (adjacent to the lobby)
Every Thursday, from 4 to 5 p.m.
CalFresh Program
- Government-funded food assistance program that issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores
- Some students are eligible to receive up to $194 per month in benefits
- See the CalFresh Student Guide for application instructions and eligibility details
- The online application takes only about 10 minutes to complete
- If you have questions regarding eligibility or assistance with Federal Work Study verification documents, please contact Student Financial Aid
Food4UCSF Students Text Messages
- Sign up to receive an alert on your cell phone when there is free food available after catered events on campus
- If you have a food allergy or dietary restrictions, please be cautious when using this service - food may not always be labeled, and providers cannot guarantee the absence of any common allergens in the food offered
- If you are a UCSF event organizer, please be encouraged to register as a food provider
Budget Bites
Get a great deal on your next meal with Budget Bites, a tasty entrée for just $4.50. Available at Moffitt Café & (Parnassus Hospital) and Shorenstein Family Café & Express (Mission Bay Hospital). Meals can be found inside the cafes or in the fresh vending machines afterhours.
Remote Access Food Program
Currently enrolled students who are on rotations outside of the Bay Area or whose courses, clinics, or labs do not permit them to utilize the Student Food Market may apply for the Remote Access Food Program. Students may apply online when the application period is open. The next application period will be: TBD.
For additional community resources, please see our Community Food Resources page.