When you come to JBJ Soul Kitchen, a pay-it-forward nonprofit community restaurant run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation that has served over 80,500 meals to neighbors in need since 2011, you may be gathering here to eat a delicious farm-to-table meal with friends and family that you paid for in donations; maybe you’re getting to know interesting people seated next to you; or you may be volunteering to provide a meal for yourself and/or your family. In fact, 51% of patrons earned meals by volunteering, and 49% paid with donations.
Nourishing, organic foods fill the JBJ Soul Kitchen tables
The JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission is to provide healthy, organic and locally-sourced foods to neighbors in need. With two locations in New Jersey (Red Bank and Toms River), many of the dishes are made with fresh, organic ingredients grown right in their on-site garden or the JBJ Soul Kitchen farm. The menu changes every two weeks, showcasing American Regional cuisine and even gluten-free and vegetarian selections – though dignity and respect are always on the menu because as the restaurant’s manifesto goes, all are welcome at the JBJ Soul Kitchen tables. If it sounds like a fine dining dream, that’s because it is, minus the fuss and for a good cause.
Pay it forward, community-based dining at JBJ Soul Kitchen
There aren’t any prices on the menu because the JBJ Soul Kitchen operates on the basis of donations: Pay as little or as much as you can afford (though the suggested minimum donation is $20, which covers the cost of your meal and beverages.) If you can afford to donate more you are helping to defray the cost of meals for the restaurant’s in-need volunteers. If you can’t pay for your meal, your time is just as valuable; one hour of volunteer time earns a dining certificate that feeds the volunteer and up to four family members. This pay-it-forward concept is something we can get behind!
p.s. Like spice rubs? Be sure to purchase a bag of Soul Rub at either restaurant location – this amazing homemade blend of spices is perfect for any kind of protein!
If you can’t visit the restaurant, here are two more ways to support JBJ Soul Kitchen:
- You can make a tax-deductible online donation.
- Register to volunteer.
There are two JBJ Soul Kitchen locations:
1769 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753
207 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Have you visited JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank or Toms River? Let us know in the comments below!
