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

Transformative basic needs justice within the UC Berkeley community.

Values

Justice and Belonging.

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BNC Org Chart

Student Staff

Alina

Alina (Community Engagement & Outreach Grad Ambassador)

Amelia

Amelia (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Andrea

Andrea (Community Engagement & Outreach Lead)

Arjun

Arjun (Food Pantry Grad Ambassador)

Belize

Belize (Front Desk Ambassador)

Diego

Diego (CalFresh Ambassador)

Emmy

Emmy (Front Desk Ambassador)

Faith

Faith (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Heizel

Heizel (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Jialin

Jialin (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Joanne

Joanne (CalFresh Lead)

Kylie

Kylie (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Kylie

Kylie (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

Lauren

Lauren (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Lena

Lena (Front Desk Ambassador)

Lillian

Lillian (CalFresh Ambassador)

Lora

Lora (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Maddie

Maddie (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

Manuel

Manuel (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Maria

Maria (Food Pantry Lead)

Maritza

Maritza (Food Recovery Lead)

Megan

Megan (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Naomi

Naomi (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Neenma

Neenma (Community Engagement & Outreach Grad Ambassador)

Pearl

Pearl (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

Philip

Philip (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Prathana

Prathana (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Vane

Vane (CalFresh Ambassador)

Zoee

Zoee (CalFresh Grad Ambassador)