Patrons can order meals online for curbside pickup or dine outdoors while Paying It Forward to feed individuals and families in need

Red Bank, N.J. – July 28, 2020 – JBJ Soul Kitchen, a non-profit community restaurant, announced it is offering meals to go for curbside pickup at both its Red Bank and Toms River locations. Patrons can enjoy healthy, three-course meals at home while Paying It Forward to feed individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Both restaurants are currently open for outdoor seating and offering a complimentary kid entrée with the purchase of one regular entrée.

“The emergence of COVID-19 has bolstered our commitment to helping individuals and families in need,” said Dorothea Bongiovi, Founder & Program Director. “Since we transitioned back to our Pay It Forward model last month, about 83% of our meals are being served to those struggling with food insecurity. We want to spread the word that those in need can still count on us for a delicious meal served with dignity. At the same time, those who wish to support our mission can stop by to enjoy a meal outside or order a meal online for curbside pickup. Together, we can do what we can to help our community during this challenging time.”

Unlike “pay what you” want community restaurant models, JBJ Soul Kitchen is a Pay It Forward community restaurant where dignity and respect are always on the menu. Paying guests donate a minimum of $20 for a three-course meal, including soup or salad, an entrée, and a dessert. When ordering diners also have the ability to donate extra meals for those in need.

Guests unable to pay are invited to enjoy a meal and learn how volunteering at the restaurant can support their individual and family needs—from access to available resources in the community through our partner network to tasty meals in a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

For 13 weeks during the quarantine mandated by the New Jersey government, JBJ Soul Kitchen upheld its mission to help those struggling with food insecurity by providing grab-and-go meals to those in need. The restaurants served a combined total of 7,800 meals to individuals, families, community partners, and front-line workers. Since reopening, JBJ Soul Kitchen remains committed to the health and safety of its staff, volunteers, patrons, and community. To this end, JBJ Soul Kitchen established House Rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, following the State of New Jersey Department of Health, CDC, and local regulations.

“Thank you to our dedicated staff, patrons, donors, and community partners for helping sustain this effort during this challenging time,” added Lou Morreale, General Manager, JBJ Soul Kitchen.

JBJ Soul Kitchen Red Bank is open Wednesday – Saturday from 5 pm – 7 pm with pre-order pickup available between 6 pm – 7 pm. JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River is open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 5 pm – 7 pm with pre-order pickup available between 6 pm – 7 pm and on Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm with pre-order pickup between 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm. 

Menus feature seasonal items leveraging locally-sourced and organic ingredients when possible from JBJ Soul Kitchen gardens. Vegetarian options, gluten-free, dairy-free substitutes are always available. Visit the JBJ Soul Kitchen website for more details and to order online.

Individuals interested in making a Pay It Forward contribution to the JBJ Soul Kitchen can visit: https://bit.ly/32EcLZg