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

Amelia

Amelia (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Ayaan

Ayaan (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Belize

Belize (Front Desk & Food Recovery Ambassador)

Chelsie

Chelsie (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

David

David (CalFresh Ambassador)

Diego

Diego (Front Desk Ambassador)

Elsa

Elsa (CalFresh Ambassador)

Faith

Faith (Food Pantry Lead)

Isabel

Isabel (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Joanne

Joanne (CalFresh Lead)

Kaya

Kaya (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

Kylie B

Kylie (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Kylie N

Kylie (Community Engagement & Outreach Ambassador)

Leslie

Leslie (CalFresh Ambassador)

Lilly

Lilly (CalFresh Lead)

Lora

Lora (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Maddie

Maddie (Community Engagement & Outreach Lead)

Manuel

Manuel (Food Pantry Lead)

Maritza

Maritza (Food Recovery Lead)

Megan

Megan (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Naomi

Naomi (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Paola

Paola (Food Recovery Ambassador)

Philip

Philip (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Prathana

Prathana (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Stephany

Stephany (Food Pantry Ambassador)

Taylor

Taylor (CalFresh Ambassador)

Vane

Vane (CalFresh Ambassador)

Zoee

Zoee (CalFresh Ambassador)