Food for Thought
College can be a stressful time as you balance school, work, relationships and more. Some things you shouldn’t have to worry about, though, like when and how you're going to eat. Turn to these campus and community resources to stay well-fed and healthy.
CalFresh
CalFresh is a federally mandated, state-supervised and county-operated government entitlement program that provides monthly food benefits to assist low-income households in purchasing the food they need to maintain adequate nutritional levels. These benefits can be used at various local grocery and convenience stores, including Scotty's convenience store located at the Highlander Union Building (HUB) and now online!
Find out if you qualify and how to apply.
Short Term Grocery Support
Intended for UCR graduate and undergraduate students who are food insecure (having difficulty affording food, having to reduce portions, or skip meals to make food last). To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled at UC Riverside. A student can re-apply for a grocery support card 1 x every 2 weeks.
Due to the large volume of requests please expect a 2-3 week delay in receiving your grocery cards.
Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT)
- Are you experiencing an urgent financial need?
- Are you in need of food but do not have enough money to buy groceries?
- Are you struggling to find a safe, stable place to sleep? (living in your car, temporarily staying with friends or family, living on the street)
Eligibility Criteria (Updated Summer 2020)
- To receive grocery card support or emergency housing, you must be an enrolled or continuing UCR undergraduate or graduate student
- To receive an emergency financial grant for basic needs, you must be a UCR student enrolled in the current term (Summer Session 2020)
- Be able to demonstrate an urgent financial need with supporting documentation
Examples of supporting documentation
- Copy of lease, rental agreement, or mortgage statement
- Bank statement or Venmo screenshot showing payment history (to landlord or friend/family for rent, etc.)
- Eviction notice
- Copy of bills or past-due notices
- Letter or email from landlord about past-due balance
- Any document that shows proof of the amount of your rent
The Economic Crisis Response Team is a cross-campus collaboration with representatives from Financial Aid, Housing, Case Management, Student Business Services, and The Well. For questions contact basicneeds@ucr.edu
Emergency Food Resources
Student Affairs Case Management
125 Costo Hall
casemanager@ucr.edu
deanofstudents.ucr.edu
(951) 827-5000
If you're struggling with an issue, the Case Managers will help you brainstorm, problem solve and connect you to the right resources.
R'Pantry
Temporarily Located at the Highlander Union Building room 269.
By Appointment Only: https://rpantry.youcanbook.me/
facebook.com/ucrpantry
rpantry@ucr.edu
The Well: (951) 827-9355
R'Pantry is managed by The Well and provides emergency non-perishable food, personal hygiene, household care and childcare items for students experiencing food insecurity. Hours of operation vary per quarter.
Grad Student Hours at R'Pantry
Temporarily Located at the Highlander Union Building room 269.
go.ucr.edu/rpantry, rpantry@ucr.edu
Graduate students experiencing food insecurity can get emergency food, personal hygiene, household care and childcare items during our graduate student only food distributions at R'Pantry. Graduate students are also welcome to come to any general food distribution at R'Pantry as well. Hours of operation vary per quarter.
Food Resources
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Cooking Well
Student Recreation Center (SRC)
recreation.ucr.edu/cookingwellCome by the SRC's classroom kitchen for weekly healthy cooking classes to learn how to prepare your own meals and try some good eats.
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Fruit on Campus
Pentland Hills, Aberdeen, CHASS and HUB plaza
Students are welcome to pick fruit from any of the trees on the main campus and treat themselves to pomegranates, oranges and kumquats.
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On-Campus Convenience Stores
On-Campus Convenience Stores
dining.ucr.edu/marketatglenmor/shop.htmlFind groceries, grab-n-go food items and basic household supplies here. The store is open daily, though hours may change quarterly. Check the website for current hours.
CalFresh/EBT can be used on campus at the following locations: HUB Scotty’s Market and Glen Mor Market.
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R'Garden
Located next to Lot 30
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–sunset; Saturday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m.–sunset
rgarden.ucr.edu, rgarden@ucr.eduThe 3-acre space includes a community garden, row crops, a Valencia orchard and a greenhouse area where members of the UCR community can grow fresh produce. Some of the fruits and vegetables grown are given to R'Pantry. Students are welcome to pick fruits and vegetables for free, and are invited to help harvest or plant new crops.
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Arlington Temporary Assistance
Monday/Wednesday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Tuesday/Thursday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (Closed Friday)
9000 Arlington Ave., No. 112, Riverside
(951) 689-5620Students, families and the homeless can access emergency assistance from the organization, including free food boxes (limit of six times per year), clothing and referrals to social services. Free produce is offered to the first 10 visitors (first-come, first-served basis) on Monday/Wednesday. To qualify, you must bring a picture ID, proof of income and proof of address.
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Faith Community Church/Angel Food
Monday/Wednesday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
4070 Jackson St., Riverside
(951) 689-7090For $30, an individual can enjoy a large box of food. Food boxes must be ordered ahead of time and can be picked up once a month.
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Lutheran Social Services/Genesis Food Pantry
Tuesday/Thursday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
3772 Taft St., Riverside
(951) 689-7847Free food boxes are available on a first-come, first-served basis once a month. Clothing assistance is also available. Only a picture ID is required.
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Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-Day Adventist
Second Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
5320 Victoria Ave., Riverside
(951) 276-8374
info@mtrubidouxsda.orgA monthly food box is offered to those in need of food services. A picture ID is required.
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Our Lady of Perpetual Help/Food Pantry
Monday–Friday, 9–11:30 a.m.
5250 Central Ave., Riverside
(951) 689-8921Students can enjoy fresh, nonperishable food materials through donations from local vendors. To sign up, bring a picture ID and proof other household members (ID or birth certificate), Social Security card/number and medical paperwork (if needed). Please call for more information.
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St. George's Episcopal Church
Wednesday, 5–6:30 p.m.
950 Spruce St., Riverside
(951) 686-9936Students can enjoy a hot meal at the church every Wednesday evening. Please call the church for more information.
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Set Free Church Thrift Store
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
3021 14th St., Riverside
(951) 682-0960Free food boxes available. You must call ahead to request a box. No ID or eligibility requirements.
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Riverside Farmer's Market Downtown
Saturday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Main St., between Fifth and Sixth, Riverside
Accepts MarketMatch
Accessible via RTA bus: From Bannockburn take RTA Route 1, exit West University and Lemon. Accepts WIC. -
Galleria at Tyler Farmers Market
Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
11299 Galleria at Tyler, Riverside
Accessible via RTA bus: From Bannockburn take RTA Route 1, exit Galleria at Tyler. Accepts WIC. -
Kaiser Permanente Farmer's Market
Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
10800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside
Accessible via RTA bus: From Bannockburn take RTA Route 1, exit Magnolia and Polk. Accepts WIC and CalFresh. -
UCR Food Recovery
Join our messaging system to receive messages of free food around campus. To be an administrator please email rpantry@ucr.edu.
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Rubidoux Certified Farmer’s Market
Rubidoux Certified Farmer’s Market
Monday, 8am-1pm5256 Mission Blvd
Available via RTA bus: From Bannockburn Village