Basic Needs Center
Welcome to the Basic Needs Center at Berkeley City College!
The Basic Needs Center aims to provide services and resources to remove barriers and empower students to persist and thrive on their way towards success. We are virtual and physical hubs of resources, where students can find support in having their essential needs met.
The BCC Basic Needs Center is now open! Students can visit once per week for free clothes, hygiene items, and food. Students can also drop-in to receive support with their CalFresh application as well as find off-campus food and housing resources.
Basic Needs Resources
Food Resources
The Berkeley City College Food Pantry offers free produce and select grocery items every Thursday. MUST BRING: Student ID with valid semester sticker AND reusable bag. Visit the Welcome Desk on the 1st floor to get your Student ID and semester sticker.
The Basic Needs Center partners with the Berkeley Food Network who provides produce from the Berkeley Bowl and non-perishable items from the Alameda County Food Bank.
Pick-up Hours: 12:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Atrium (basement level)
- Click here to find additional community resources in or near Berkeley. You can also check out this presentation for more helpful information.
- Alameda County Community Food Bank – Get referrals for groceries or hot meals now: Call the helpline at 510-635-3663, or visit https://foodnow.net/
- CalFresh – Apply for an EBT card in 10 minutes: https://www.getcalfresh.org/ If you have questions or need help with the CalFresh application, the Basic Needs Center can help!
- Check out the Basic Needs Recipe Book 2024-2025!
Transportation
Did you know that you are eligible for a AC Transit Bus Pass if you are an in-state student enrolled in at least six units at Peralta? Please note that it will take 10 business days for your AC Transit Card to arrive at our Cashier’s Office. For more information, please head over to https://www.peralta.edu/easypass
- BCC students must have a valid student ID with photo in order to pick up passes from the Cashier’s Office. It is located on the first floor of BCC, to the left of Admissions and Records. The Cashier’s Office is open 9AM-4PM on weekdays.
- The Basic Needs Center does not oversee this service. Questions can be directly asked to the bursar/cashier’s office at BCC-Bursar@peralta.edu or (510) 981-2842
Medical Resources
The Peralta Health Services College Based clinics are currently closed; however, through the Peralta District is partnered with Roots Clinic. Services provided for Peralta students can be found by clicking this link.
Additional medical and community resources (not affiliated to the Peralta Community College District or Berkeley City College):
- MediCAL – Apply for health insurance: coveredca.com
- Berkeley Free Clinic – Services include vision and dental work. https://www.berkeleyfreeclinic.org/
- Free and low-cost clinics in Alameda County can be found on the directory linked here
Clothing Resources
- Click here to find affordable or free clothing resources in Alameda County and the greater Bay Area.
Resources for Parents
- First 5 California – California’s Parenting Website: https://www.first5california.com/
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit http://211alamedacounty.org/ for help with Health, Housing, and Human Services in your area.
- BCC has a nursing/lactation pod on campus. It is located on the first floor in front of the Learning Resource Center (LRC). See this post for more information.
Other BCC Support Services
Contact Us
Hours & Location
- Monday 10:00am - 5:00pm
- Tuesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
- Wednesday 10:00am - 11:30am & 12:30pm - 5:00pm
- Thursday 3:30pm - 5:00pm
- Friday 10:00am - 3:00pm