Responsible Sourcing and Quality
Local, healthy, and sustainable choices
At UCSC Dining, we are dedicated to serving fresh, high-quality foods that prioritize nutrition, quality, and sustainability. By partnering with local companies, we bring you fresh produce, soups, and treats that reflect the best of the Central Coast while supporting responsible and environmentally friendly practices.
Our commitment ensures that every meal nourishes both you and the community, promoting wellbeing and sustainability across campus.
In-house bakery
Did you know UCSC Dining has its own in-house bakery? We bake fresh goods daily using locally-sourced organic flour. You’ll find our pastries, muffins, desserts, and more served in campus dining halls, cafes, markets, and coffee bars.
The Bagelry
A beloved Santa Cruz staple. Enjoy fresh, locally made bagels at our dining halls, cafes, and coffee bars across campus.
Community Agroecology Network (CAN)
A Santa Cruz-based nonprofit that partners with small-scale coffee farmers to promote sustainable agriculture and fair trade. Enjoy their ethically sourced coffee in our dining halls.
Daylight Foods
Serving fresh, organic produce in our dining halls, cafes, markets, and the University Center Bistro—supporting regional farms and nourishing our campus community.
Field Trip
Delicious, protein-packed snacks made with simple, quality ingredients–available in our markets.
Happy Day
Gluten-free, non-GMO, 100% whole grain oats served in our dining halls.
Pacific Cookie Company
A Santa Cruz favorite baking classic treats since 1980. Their locally made cookies are available in our dining halls, bringing a taste of downtown tradition to campus.
Real Good Fish
Based on the Central Coast, Real Good Fish supports local fisheries and promotes sustainable practices from ocean to plate. Serving fresh, responsibly sourced seafood in our dining halls.
Rebellyous Foods
Serving vegan tenders in our dining halls—offering a delicious, meat-free option that supports sustainable, plant-based eating without compromising on taste.
Safe Catch
Known for its rigorous mercury testing and sustainability standards, Safe Catch offers clean, high-quality seafood you can trust–available in our dining halls and markets.
SunRidge Farms
Based in the Central Coast region, SunRidge is known for organic, non-GMO products made with sustainability and wellness in mind. Available in dining halls and markets.
Wholesome Crave
We serve up Wholesome Crave soups in our dining halls, offering wholesome, flavorful options made with quality ingredients to nourish you throughout the day.
PepsiCo (Bubly & Aquafina)
Stay refreshed and sustainable with Aquafina’s reusable aluminum water bottles, available in our campus markets. In our dining halls, enjoy Bubly sparkling water at the soda fountains—another step toward reducing single-use plastic on campus.