Blog

Calfresh & the Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions

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Calfresh & the Government Shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions
This page was last updated October 27th, 2025 and will continue to be updated as we receive new information.  What’s happening to my November SNAP benefits? The federal government is shut down. Until President Trump and Congress reopen the government, millions of Californians receiving CalFresh benefits may have their benefits impacted. The federal government has… Read more »

Holiday Gifting with Fibershed at the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets

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Holiday Gifting with Fibershed at the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets
This December, the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets are expanding our aisles. In honor of the holiday gifting season, we’re partnering with Fibershed, a nonprofit committed to supporting sustainable textile production across California and beyond. For one week only – on December 13th, 16th, 18th, and 20th – our markets will feature locally produced items made by… Read more »

Recycling Comes Full Circle for Berkeley’s Zero-Waste Classroom

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Recycling Comes Full Circle for Berkeley’s Zero-Waste Classroom
On a crisp Wednesday morning, the air at the Ecology Center’s recycling facility in Berkeley buzzed with the energy of young environmentalists in the making. Oxford Elementary’s Teacher Jacqueline Omania’s fifth-grade class filed off their bus, brimming with curiosity. For eleven years, different students from this zero-waste classroom have made the journey to learn where… Read more »

A Slice of Our Markets Offers A Piece of Our Hearts

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A Slice of Our Markets Offers A Piece of Our Hearts
This year’s Slice of Our Markets was filled with unforgettable moments that will stay with us long after the last slice of pizza was eaten. Each guest enjoyed a tour of our farmers’ market, in which their guide highlighted the vendors whose fresh produce would later top their pizzas. They traced each ingredient’s journey from… Read more »

Highlight on Bianca, our Outgoing Program Assistant

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Highlight on Bianca, our Outgoing Program Assistant
Bianca discovered the Ecology Center during her junior year of high school, while researching internships in the summer. She had always enjoyed spending time outdoors and hiking, so she was interested in environmental organizations. The Ecology Center seemed like a logical fit. Bianca began as a participant in the Youth Environmental Academy (YEA), built her… Read more »