![](https://basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/sites/basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/files/images/Off-Campus-Resources/wic-resources.png)
WIC Services include:
- Practical nutrition information and everyday healthy living tips for you and your family. Visit the Feeding My Family page.
- Nutrition experts who specialize in nutrition for mothers and their children.
- Support and information about breastfeeding your baby, including access to breastfeeding experts. Visit the Feeding My Baby page
- Help in finding health care and other valuable community services
- Benefits to buy healthy foods - such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, bread, cereal, juice, peanut butter, soy milk, tofu and more!
- WIC can also refer you to other helpful services, learn how to ask WIC for referrals.
You may qualify if you:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, just had a baby (or recent pregnancy loss); or
- Have a child or care for a child under age 5; and
- Have low-to-medium income or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs (TANF), or CalFresh (SNAP) benefits; and
- Live in California
![](https://basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/sites/basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/files/images/Off-Campus-Resources/5048adrmercy.jpeg)
- Medi-Cal is a free or low-cost health coverage that is available for California residents who are eligible. For more information about your local County Social Services Office and how to apply can be found here!
- Visit the UC Merced Health Services page to learn more about health coverage and waiving UC SHIP.
![](https://basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/sites/basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/files/images/Off-Campus-Resources/2613buildings.jpeg)
Browse through a collection of Off-Campus resources available to all UC Merced students. Click here to view the list of resources available.
![Community Action Agency](https://basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/sites/basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/files/images/Off-Campus-Resources/carsonhouse_hangout_181109-17.jpeg)
Programs supported by Community Action Agency:
- Preschool Programs - more information can be found here
- Utility Assistance: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - more information can be found here
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – provides a direct payment to an eligible client’s utility bill to help offset the cost of heating or cooling their home.
- Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) – provides assistance to low-income households that are in a crisis situation.
![The Bus](https://basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/sites/basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/files/images/Off-Campus-Resources/thebus.png)
- UC Merced Students can ride The Bus for free by swiping their UC Merced Student Cat Card on all bus routes. Visit their website for available routes.
- Students can also track the bus anytime!
![VITA (Free Tax Preparation)](https://basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/sites/basicneeds.ucmerced.edu/files/images/Off-Campus-Resources/vita_2_1340_x_897_px.png)
- The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Learn more here!
Last Updated: Sep. 11, 2024