Butterfly Meal Swipes
The Butterfly Meal Swipe (BMS) Program is a collaboration with the Undocumented Student Programs that is dedicated to help promote food security of the undocumented community at UCR. Through this program, students will be able to get $150 in dining dollars & 30 meal swipes for Spring quarter loaded onto their R'Card to use at approved locations for the 2025-2026 academic year. To further support students, the program includes an informational component with a Basic Needs Intern to provide details about additional food resources available both on and off campus.
Overview
Eligibility requirements include:
1. Be a currently enrolled, undocumented student
* AB 540 and CA DREAM Act recipient
2. Complete program application
* Deadline to apply: Friday, March 20th, 2026
3. Complete a Basic Needs Intake with a Basic Needs Student Intern
* Intakes will begin on Wednesday, March 4th
*Deadline to complete intake: Friday, March 20th, 2026, 2pm
* Only need to complete the intake 1 time
* If intake is not completed, meal swipes and dining dollars will not be loaded onto your R'Card.
How does it work?
1. Eligible students apply for the program during the initial application window. Apply HERE!
* Deadline to apply: Friday, March 20th, 2026
2. Complete a Basic Needs Intake at the Basic Needs Center-Costo Hall 110 by Friday, March 20th, 2026
3. Students that complete requirements will receive a confirmation email approximately between 3/23-3/26 and have $150 dining dollars & 30 meal swipes uploaded onto their R'Card to be ready to use beginning March 30th, 2026
* Meal swipes & dining dollars will expire on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026
4. For students that want to continue participating in the program, they must:
* Complete an end of the quarter feedback form
Timeline:
1. Winter quarter, Week 9 to finals week: Complete application form & complete Basic Needs Intake by Friday March 20th to have meal swipes loaded onto R'Card and utilize for spring quarter.
2. Spring Break 3/23-3/26: Confirmation emails will be sent out to eligible students
3. Spring quarter: Meal swipes are loaded onto R'cards and students are able to utilize their meal swipes at Glasglow & Lothian Restaurants & NOODS
4. Week 8: Post-Survey will be sent out
* Meal swipes & dining dollars will expire on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026
Important Information
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What is a Basic Needs Intake?
A 10-15 minute conversation with a Basic Needs student staff member to receive an assessment of your basic needs and learn more about all of the food and housing resources available at UCR. Students will receive a breakdown of services and how to access them and answer any questions.
Students only need to complete 1 intake for the program requirements.
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How to complete a Basic Needs Intake?
Basic Needs Intakes will begin Wednesday, March 4th
Go to the Basic Needs Center located in Costo Hall 110 during drop-in hours:
Monday: 2pm-4pm
Tuesday: 2pm-4pm
Wednesday: 2pm-4pm
Thursday: 9am-4pm
Friday: 10am-2pm
When you visit the center, you can tell the front desk that you're there to complete a Basic Needs Intake.
No need to bring anything with you.
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Where can you use your meal swipes?
Glasgow Residential Restaurant, Lothian Residential Restaurant & NOODS only. They are the dining halls located on campus.
Check their Hours of Operation here, as some holidays affect their hours.
Reminder: Meal swipes & dining dollars will expire on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026
Hours of Operation:
Location Monday-Friday Saturday-Sunday Glasgow Dining Breakfast (7:30 AM - 10:30 AM)Lunch (10:30 AM - 2:30 PM)Dinner (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)Brunch (10:00 AM - 2:30 PM)Lunch (Closed)Dinner (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)Lothian Dining Breakfast (Closed)Lunch (11:00 AM - 2:30 PM)Dinner (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)Closed NOODS Monday-Thursday: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
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What if I am unable to make it to the intake times?
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please include reasoning whyvyou're unable to make it
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Will this program be open again for summer?
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CONFIDENTIALITY DISCLAIMER: All information provided is PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL. It is intended for the use of the individual or entity who is applying and UCR Professional Staff. All information provided is protected by Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Visit the Undocumented Student Programs office in Costo Hall 224
usp@ucr.edu
Social: https://www.instagram.com/usp_ucr/
Other Food Resources Available:
R’Pantry & Community Sources
Meal Support
For questions regarding the Butterfly Meal Swipe Program please contact basicneeds@ucr.edu.