Blog

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 »

Farmers’ Markets Remain a Lifeline During the Federal Shutdown

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Farmers’ Markets Remain a Lifeline During the Federal Shutdown
As the federal shutdown continues to create chaos and insecurity across the nation, California’s farmers’ markets remain a steady source of healthy food and community connection. Even while many government services grind to a halt, shoppers can still use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh/EBT) benefits at farmers’ markets. Because states receive these benefits in advance,… Read more »

Youth Leaders on the Rise!

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Youth Leaders on the Rise!
This September we bid farewell to our 12 Youth Environmental Academy (YEA) summer scholars as summertime comes to a close. In turn, we welcome YEA interns Mar and Lucia to the roles of program assistants for the next 9 months. Over a 6-week period, our 12 summer scholars completed a curriculum that increased their knowledge… Read more »

Farmers’ Market Layout Changes – Coming August, 2025

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Farmers' Market Layout Changes - Coming August, 2025
In the coming weeks, you may see some big changes at our three weekly Berkeley Farmers’ Markets. We are significantly changing the layouts of our markets to comply with new Fire Code enforcement requirements from the Berkeley Fire Department. But don’t worry, all our fantastic vendors will be there, just in new locations. Our community… Read more »

In the Face of Federal Budget Cuts: Market Match Offers Food Security and Food Sovereignty

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In the Face of Federal Budget Cuts: Market Match Offers Food Security and Food Sovereignty
At a time when Congress is trying to cut food security and healthy entitlements, the Ecology Center’s Market Match program offers thousands of families facing hunger the ability to overcome high food costs, by doubling their purchasing power for California’s fresh, healthy, and local foods. In 2024, the Market Match program matched almost $10M in… Read more »