Locate vending machines across the UCSC Campus, including at the Coastal Science Campus and the Scotts Valley Center.

At UCSC, we understand that our campus is like a little city on a hill. Just like any big city, things keep buzzing even after dark. Unlike most cities though, once it gets late or depending on where you are on campus, your food options can get pretty slim.

To help you out with finding healthy snacks, fresh food, or drinks whenever you need them, we’ve revamped our vending machine selections around campus.

The Healthy Vending Work Group and Global Food Initiative

Back in 2014, the University of California kicked off the Global Food Initiative (GFI). This initiative pulled together expertise from all UC locations to tackle food-related issues by creating sustainable and impactful solutions not just at UC, but throughout California, the U.S., and beyond. The UC Healthy Vending Work Group was formed as part of GFI to establish best practices for healthy vending programs, set guidelines for future policies, and come up with a plan to roll out the program across all UC campuses. These guidelines are meant to ensure that all vending machines at UC locations offer healthier food and drink options, and encourage each campus to go the extra mile. Here at UCSC, we’ve already started making some healthy changes to our vending services.

The Healthy Vending Work Group established these guidelines to:

1. Make sure food and drinks are available that help our UC community stick to the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
2. Provide better access to healthier food and drink choices (UCSC Healthy Campus Network).
3. Support the health and well-being of everyone on the UCSC campus and set a good example for other colleges and universities across the country and beyond.

Healthier and More Sustainable

On top of offering healthier options, we’ve also been working to remove single-use plastic bottles from our vending machines. Most of our options are now in aluminum cans. There are still a few drinks that are only available in plastic bottles, but we really encourage you to choose the better option when you can, and don’t forget to find a recycling station when you’re done with your drink!

Flexi Dollars Accepted at Select Vending Machine Locations

This year, we’ve also made it possible for you to use Flexi Dollars from your UCSC Dining meal plan at participating vending machines. Just look for the Flexi Sticker at the locations that are ready to accept your card. Have fun using this new map to find all the machines on campus!

Additional Food Options Throughout Campus

UCSC Dining maintains 5 Dining Halls, and over a dozen Cafes and Markets. Visit UCSC Dining Locations, Hours & Menus for more information.

Food trucks and pop-ups on campus offer a variety of cuisine. Check the UCSC Mobile Food Finder for the campus locations and hours. These vendors are not managed by UCSC, please contact the business directly with any questions and/or concerns.

Start where you are. | Use what you have. | Do what you can. - Arthur Ashe