Food Assistance

The Benevolent Fund operates two Blazer Kitchen shopping locations. The central location is the 1613 Building, and a satellite location specifically for students operates at the Hill Students Center 303 in the Office of Student Outreach. Here’s what you need to know:

• All UAB students and employees must present a valid UAB ONE card or VIVA health employee badge.
• The frequency of participation in Blazer Kitchen is identified on a monthly basis based on need and availability. Frequency guidelines can change at the discretion of the staff.
• Blazer Kitchen will be closed on all UAB observed holidays.
• Before your visit, please complete this USDA Eligibility Form and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This form is required for food available through USDA and is required annually each July 1. Other food will be available for shoppers who are food insecure but do not meet USDA requirements.
• Blazer Kitchen is managed by the Benevolent Fund in collaboration with:
  • Office of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research
  • Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
  • Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration
  • UAB School of Public Health – AmeriCorps VISTA Statewide Program
  • UAB Student Assistance & Support

General Rules

• Shopper validation – Students and employees must “Tap In” with their UAB ID Card (ONE Card). Patients must bring their referral form.
• Shopping Frequency - Students may shop twice a month in the 1613 Building and every week in HSC 303. Employees may shop twice a month in the 1613 Building. Patients may shop once each month at the 1613 Building.
• 1613 Building - Requires shoppers to make an appointment to 1613 Building (log in with Blazer ID and strong password). For guidance, please view this instructional video.
• HSC 303 - Appointments to HSC 303 are required (login with Blazer ID and strong password). Bring your own bags with you.
• Diaper Limits - Our main partner for diapers allows us to provide 2 packs of diapers and 1 pack of wipes once per month per family.
• Shopping for others - You may not shop for other people unless they have completed the USDA form or other form for non-USDA qualified shoppers listing you as their proxy and the reason that makes them unable to shop for themselves.
• Appointments - If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you have missed your appointment time. Depending on the volume of shoppers, you may have lost your opportunity to shop for the week.