UCI Basic Needs Center

CalFresh + Government Shutdown Update

As of November 7, 2025, California households are beginning to see their full SNAP benefits restored on their EBT cards. Please view this Resources & Support page with further details related to the delay and resources to stay supported.

The issuance of CalFresh (SNAP) benefits for November were delayed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Students can stay updated on the status of university-wide operations at this official Federal Government Shutdown website by UC Irvine.

The Basic Needs Center launched a Rapid Response Form on October 30, 2025 for students impacted by the delay and needing urgent food support. Students with a balance of $0 in their EBT in the coming days will be given priority and so on.

Housing
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Resources

If you’re a UCI student looking for housing, we recommend you visit our Housing Resources page to assist your search for housing near campus.

Are you currently experiencing homelessness?

The Mckinney-Vento Act definition of homelessness includes someone who is couch surfing, living in a hotel/motel, living in emergency or transitional shelters, abandoned in a hospital, and/or living in a dangerous or life-threatening environment. If this describes your situation, please email basicneeds@uci.edu to be referred to a campus social worker for support.

What is the UCI Basic Needs Center?

UCI Basic Needs Center offers a variety of services to UC Irvine students, regardless of immigration status, 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.

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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.

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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.

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resource guide

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.

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