Local nonprofit closing Woodlawn location; launching new mobile meal program

Local nonprofit Community Kitchens of Birmingham is closing one of its two brick-and-mortar locations in Birmingham, but adding a new mobile delivery program to increase food access in Woodlawn, East Birmingham and Kingston.

Community Kitchens launching new mobile meal program

• The Community Kitchens of Birmingham: 205.251.3569 | Website | Facebook

Founded in 1980 by Father Maurice Branscomb of St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, The Community Kitchens of Birmingham is a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding anyone who is hungry in Birmingham—regardless of their religious affiliation or financial status. For years, the nonprofit has operated two locations in the Birmingham area, serving up more than 44,000 meals each year:

• Woodlawn | Grace Episcopal Church, 5712 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212
• Southside | St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1024 12th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Following the nonrenewal of its lease, Community Kitchens announced its intention to close its Woodlawn branch with a farewell community cookout on Tuesday, July 29 from 11AM to 1:30PM.

As a long-term solution to the closure, Community Kitchens is launching a new initiative—Mobile Connections—to deliver hot, nutrituous meals directly to underserved neighborhoods in Woodlawn, Kingston and East Birmingham.

“We know hunger doesn’t just live inside our kitchen walls — it’s across our city.

By bringing meals directly to neighborhoods, we’re removing a major obstacle between people and the food they need for basic survival.”

Kimberly M. Spreights, Executive Director, Community Kitchens

The new Mobile Connections program will begin distributing meals on designated days and has several goals for its first year:

• Increase food access in East Birmingham by 10%
• Distribute hygiene items during stops
• Better serve seniors, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness

To support its mission, Community Kitchens will partner with churches, other nonprofits and local businesses through joint supply drives and neighborhood outreach efforts.

Excited to see Community Kitchens continue its mission with Mobile Connections? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!