People without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food are said to be food insecure. It is important to note food insecurity includes both quantity of food and the nutritious value of available food. Food insecurity can be transitory caused by a temporary situation such a waiting for a student aid award or an unexpected expense such as a car repair. It can also be chronic if households are unable in normal times to meet food need due to insufficient income, chronic sickness, social barriers, etc.

Blazer Kitchen is an open resource for those who self-identify as food insecure including UAB students, employees and patients with a medical referral. A valid UAB One Card or patient referral is required each time you shop.

To volunteer in Blazer Kitchen, please log into BlazerPulse and search for Blazer Kitchen Volunteer Shifts by location. You can then select and sign up for the shifts(s) you would like to volunteer. You will receive an email update within 24 hours confirming your volunteer shifts. Volunteers must be 18 years old or accompanied by a supervising adult.

Financial contributions can be made here. Through our partnership with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, our cost share for food is 18 cents per pound allowing us to stretch financial contributions for food.

Blazer Kitchen has two Amazon wish lists which consists primarily of items which are difficult to secure through our partner nonprofits. We have a wish list for spices and another for spices and another for hygiene and cleaning products.

Yes, Blazer Kitchen is always in need of fresh produce, which is the most requested item from shoppers.

The central Blazer Kitchen is located at 1613 11th Avenue South. A satellite location for students is in the Office of Student Outreach in the Hill Student Center 303. Additional satellite locations can be found in some UAB Medicine clinics and programs.

Students may shop once every 2 weeks in the 1613 Building and once a week in HSC 303. Employees may shop once every 2 weeks in the 1613 Building. Patients may shop once each month at the 1613 Building.

Typically, food is received every other Tuesday and Thursday.

Yes, we typically have vegetarian and vegan options available. Additionally, Halal meat is available in the 1613 Building through a partnership with the Birmingham Islamic Society.

Yes. We work to have diapers and menstrual hygiene products available at all times through a partnership with Bundles of Hope. Other toiletry items and household cleaners are available less frequently because we solely rely on donations of these items.

1613 Building requires shoppers to make an appointment (log in with Blazer ID and strong password) and order online. For guidance, please view this instructional video. HSC 303, strongly encourages appointments (login with Blazer ID and strong password) Walk-ins will be accommodated at HSC as able. You will receive an email confirming your appointment.

Blazer Kitchen sends updates using BlazerPulse, so all shoppers should receive a message transcript in their email inbox regarding the update. Additionally, we post updates about our inventory and operating hours on social media. Follow us on Instagram @blazerkitchen.

Blazer Kitchen is an open resource for those who self-identify as food insecure including UAB students, employees and patients with a medical referral. A valid UAB One Card or patient referral is required each time you shop. There are additional qualifications to receive food available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Blazer Kitchen receives food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance Program, which has specific eligibility requirements. Shoppers are asked to complete the form annually to see if they are eligible for the additional food that is offered through USDA. If shoppers do not qualify or do not wish to complete the form, they will be eligible to receive food that is donated or purchased through other programs. Additionally, Blazer Kitchen needs to provide aggregate data regarding our services to donors and the University.

HSC 303 shoppers are required to bring reusable bags, boxes or carts to transport their food. Because the 1613 Building prepacks orders, bags are not required at that location.