Featured

USDA Awards Nation’s Largest Grant to Expand California Healthy Eating Program to More Farmers’ Markets

by
USDA Awards Nation's Largest Grant to Expand California Healthy Eating Program to More Farmers’ Markets
[PRESS RELEASE] – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) and its partners a $3.9 million Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant – the largest in the country. FINI grants are designed to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income people participating in the Supplemental Nutrition… Read more »

Berkeley Declares July Plastic Free – Responding to Urgent Need to Reduce Plastics

by
Berkeley Declares July Plastic Free - Responding to Urgent Need to Reduce Plastics
At City Council meeting on July 25, the City of Berkeley declared July Plastic Free Month. The Ecology Center has advocated and led events for Plastic Free July for several years, as part of a growing, international effort to reduce plastic. We strongly support and commend the city for being a pioneer in addressing the… Read more »

For CalFresh Awareness Month, Our Staffer Leah Ricci Is Helping Make Farmers’ Markets More Affordable

by
For CalFresh Awareness Month, Our Staffer Leah Ricci Is Helping Make Farmers' Markets More Affordable
When she’s not visiting farmers’ markets or presenting to county social service agencies around the state, Leah Ricci, Farmers’ Market Access & Equity Program Manager is often leading calls, webinars, or hiring to expand our work to make farmers’ markets more affordable. We caught up with this busy woman to hear how our Market Match … Read more »

Ebbs and Flows: State of Water in California

by
Ebbs and Flows: State of Water in California
Galen Folk is the Ecology Center’s Youth Program Assistant. Since 2015, Galen has worked at the Farm Fresh Choice stand, providing healthy, affordable food every Tuesday to South Berkeley, and has supported our Education & Engagement program, and communications staff. Galen was key to the launch of the Ecology Center’s new Instagram account. This post … Read more »

Urban Agriculture & Community Gardens: Interview with Corinne Haskins of BCGC

by
Urban Agriculture & Community Gardens: Interview with Corinne Haskins of BCGC
Next week, we’re hosting an event about some exciting proposed changes for urban agriculture in Berkeley, which could result in more food to be grown on vacant lots and other spaces. Berkeley has a solid existing network of school, nonprofit, and community gardens – but wait lists are long, and more gardening space is in … Read more »