Food is more than just a source of nourishment–it’s one of the building blocks of a successful life.

We believe that ambitious minds need ambitious cuisine. From a hydroponic garden to a full-scale bakery, we seek innovative methods to make sure our food is as fresh, local, delicious and healthy as possible—without compromising our environmentally sustainable practices. In the 10 years since we became a self-operated department, we have dedicated ourselves daily to caring for our students and giving them what they need to succeed—whether that is through employment, nutrition programs, alternative dining options, or other initiatives. We don’t just serve UCMERCED, we are UCMERCED—and that affinity affects everything we do.