About Us

At its core, we define basic needs as food, housing, and finances. We recognize that basic needs are not always simple and that students' needs can be complex, and may include health/medical care, technology, dependent care and transportation needs. While our programs and services are focused on the core areas of food, housing and finances, we refer and connect students to on and off campus resources related to other areas of basic needs.

The Basic Needs Center provides direct support for students in need of food, housing, and financial stability. Support includes:

  1. Assessment of individualized student needs
  2. Navigation of and connection to basic needs resources
  3. Planning and support to address students’ immediate and long-term care in collaboration with on and off campus partners and services. 

All enrolled students including undergraduate, graduate, international, and undocumented students are eligible for Basic Needs Center programs and services. 

Mission

We provide accessible and equitable services to prevent and alleviate students’ basic needs challenges. We advocate alongside our community for program, policy, and culture change.

Vision

All UC Berkeley students’ basic needs are met.

Values

Justice and Belonging.

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Student Staff

Ayaan

Ayaan (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Axel

Axel (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Laetitia

Laetitia (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Lora

Lora (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Paulina

Paulina (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Nathalie

Nathalie (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

Maddie

Maddie (Community Engagement & Outreach Lead)

Amelia

Amelia (Food Recovery Lead)

Emma

Emma (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Valery

Valery (Food Pantry Lead)

Taylor

Taylor (CalFresh Ambassador)

Paola

Paola (Food Recovery Lead)

Elaine

Elaine (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Aashritha

Aashritha (CalFresh Ambassador)

Briseydi

Briseydi (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Lena

Lena (Front Desk Ambassador)

Philip

Philip (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Adaan R

Adaan (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Meghna

Meghna (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

Stephany

Stephany (Food Pantry Lead)

Lesly

Lesly (CalFresh Ambassador)

Kai

Kai (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Lily

Lily (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

Christina

Christina (CalFresh Ambassador)