The Redwood Free Market is UC Santa Cruz’s central resource for addressing food and basic needs insecurity among students. Located at the Rachel Carson College Café, the Redwood Free Market is a welcoming, non-transactional space that provides free access to nutritious food, personal care items, and essential household products.
Students visiting the market can choose from a wide range of pantry staples, organic produce grown at the Center for Agroecology Farm, and culturally relevant ingredients that reflect the diverse UCSC community. The market also offers access to additional programs and resources such as CalFresh enrollment support, meal kits, and diaper assistance for parenting students.
In addition to food security, the Redwood Free Market promotes sustainability and wellness through innovative initiatives like the Wonderfil personal care product dispenser, which provides hygiene items while reducing plastic waste. Over the past year, the market has recorded more than 14,000 total visits from nearly 3,000 unique students—an almost 30% increase from the previous year—demonstrating the growing impact of this essential service.
More than just a food pantry, the Redwood Free Market serves as an entry point for students seeking broader support through the university’s Basic Needs programs. By ensuring that every student has reliable access to food, care products, and community connections, the Redwood Free Market plays a vital role in UC Santa Cruz’s mission to promote equity, wellness, and student success.
