The Basic Needs Advisory Committee is comprised of staff, faculty, students, and campus partners dedicated to addressing basic needs issues at UCSF. The committee efforts include building and enhancing existing services, conducting comprehensive research, and creating new innovative programs and resources to work towards making UCSF a basic needs secure campus.

Since the launch of the UC Global Food Initiative in 2015, UCSF has taken strategic action to ensure students have access to a variety of resources to meet their basic needs. The UC Basic Needs Model outlines a holistic and preventative approach to addressing basic needs insecurity.

In accordance with research findings, the University defines student basic needs as an ecosystem of financial stability; healthy and sufficient food; safe, secure and adequate housing (to sleep, study, cook, and shower); access to healthcare to promote mental and physical well-being; access to affordable transportation; and emergency needs for dependents of parenting students. This list of comprehensive needs represents the minimum necessary to support students in their holistic experience through the University of California.