Give on Nov. 15 so those in need can eat all year

The one-day crowdfunding campaign will raise money for Blazer Kitchen, the on-campus food bank that serves students, employees and patients in need.

watts hunger streamUAB President Ray Watts recently signed the agreement by Presidents United to Solve Hunger, a consortium of university presidents from around the world who have pledged to take steps toward ending hunger.Donate money Thursday, Nov. 15, to help the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Blazer Kitchen feed the hungry in the UAB community.

Blazers Against Hunger is UAB’s major fall giving day event, taking place during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The one-day crowdfunding campaign will raise money for Blazer Kitchen, the on-campus food bank that serves students and employees. Blazer Kitchen also has pantry partnerships with select UAB Medicine programs for patients in need.

Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $35,000. The goal this year is $40,000. Visit www.uab.edu/blazersagainsthunger on Nov. 15 to donate and use the hashtag #BlazersAgainstHunger on social media. The event is open to UAB faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.

UAB President Ray Watts recently signed the agreement by Presidents United to Solve Hunger, a consortium of university presidents from around the world who have pledged to take steps toward ending hunger at the local and national levels.

Blazer Kitchen, sponsored by the UAB Benevolent Fund, offers fresh and nonperishable foods to those on campus faced with food insecurity. Donations are accepted and encouraged, and drives for food and household items are held on campus throughout the year. Blazer Kitchen partners with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to access low-cost food such as USDA food, food donated through grocery stores and food available only to food banks.

Blazer Kitchen at Medical Towers is for employees and students, and is open Wednesdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thursdays 1-6 p.m. Blazer Kitchen at Hill Student Center, Suite 303 is for students only and is open Mondays 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Frequency of participation in the Blazer Kitchen is identified on a monthly basis, based on need and food availability. Frequency guidelines can change at the discretion of the staff.

In addition to financial donations, which are put to great use with the purchasing power of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Blazer Kitchen is in need of specific items, which can be found on its website. Particular needs right now are toiletry, household cleaners and single-serve, shelf-stable meals.