Category Archives: Editorial

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 July 5 2025 

Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County

In July 2025, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation provided a grant to Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County that helped complete their latest project.

With support from the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, they’ve launched a network of solar-powered, refrigerated containers that will store millions of pounds of nutritious food including milk, eggs, fish, meat, bread, and canned goods and will be delivered free of charge to local community organizations, churches, and pantries – including their own. They’ve created an innovative solution that allows them to feed more than 12,000 people every week.

Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County’s Mission Statement: Our volunteers are dedicated to ending hunger in Palm Beach County, especially among the sick, the disabled, shut-ins, seniors, minorities, veterans, and children. Since most of our work is done by volunteers, we can provide meat, fish, milk, eggs, cheese, produce, bread and canned goods for a healthy meal for pennies.

In October 2025, The pantry added five new refrigerated containers, allowing them to safely store fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and more. These containers are on track to help the pantry handle over 6 million pounds of food in 2025.
Recently, they rescued 26,000 pounds of protein from local supermarkets—preventing food waste while providing nutritious meals to neighbors in need.

If you would like to learn more and support Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County, please click here.

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 July 1 2025 

Rights of Passage II Ribbon Cutting

PENNSYLVANIA – In July 2026, JBJ Soul Foundation President Leo Carlin joined Covenant House Pennsylvania for the ribbon cutting of Rights of Passage II, an expansion of Covenant House’s transitional housing program for young adults experiencing homelessness. The Rights of Passage model was first supported by JBJ Soul Foundation in 2011, and the Foundation is proud to continue that partnership through a grant supporting this new phase of the program.

Rights of Passage II adds 12 safe and supportive living units for young adults ages 18–24, offering stability, guidance, and resources designed to help residents move toward independence. The program emphasizes long-term outcomes through wraparound support, including housing, life-skills development, and individualized care.

At JBJ Soul Foundation, we believe in meeting people where they are and investing in solutions that create lasting change. Rights of Passage II reflects that commitment by providing young adults with the time, tools, and stability they need to heal, grow, and build sustainable futures.

In 2024, Covenant House Pennsylvania served more than 2,000 youth through a range of programs, including residential services, street outreach, education and prevention, and transitional housing. Among those served was Jnyah Walker, who entered the transitional housing program on her 21st birthday after experiencing homelessness. With Covenant House’s support, she was able to focus on her mental health, secure employment, and save enough to move into her own apartment within six months.

JBJ Soul Foundation is honored to support Covenant House Pennsylvania and its continued commitment to helping young people transition from homelessness to stability, independence, and opportunity.

For more information on Covenant House Pennsylvania, please visit their website.

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 March 3 2025 

200,000 Meals Served Across SK Red Bank and Toms River Locations

New Jersey – March 3, 2025 – JBJ Soul Kitchen is proud to announce the celebration of a significant milestone—serving its 200,000th meal. What started as one small restaurant with a big mission has grown into a community-driven initiative that proves real change is possible. Through its Pay It Forward model, JBJ Soul Kitchen has provided restaurant-quality meals to those facing food insecurity while inviting paying customers to contribute toward feeding their neighbors.

Since opening our doors, JBJ Soul Kitchen has remained committed to providing delicious three-course meals to individuals and families in need while fostering an environment where All Are Welcome to dine with dignity. The milestone of 200,000 meals served is shared between the Red Bank and Toms River locations, highlighting the ongoing impact of the initiative in New Jersey communities.

Reflecting on this milestone, Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi shared their gratitude, “When we first opened, people did not understand our unique Pay It Forward model. We are not a soup kitchen. We are not a pay-what-you-want restaurant. We are a unique Pay It Forward model where those who are unable to pay, volunteer their time. Those who can pay, pay for their meal and donate to pay it forward. Everyone has the same amazing meal. Everyone has the same fantastic experience. This model has now been proven time and time again for well over a decade.”

Watch our celebration video!

The flagship location in Red Bank, New Jersey, opened in 2011 with just 33 seats. Over the years, JBJ Soul Kitchen has expanded to include The B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River, a vibrant resource hub offering a choice food pantry in partnership with Fulfill, a culinary training program, and a JBJ Soul Kitchen. Additionally, we have locations at Rutgers University-Newark and New Jersey City University, addressing food insecurity among students.

JBJ Soul Kitchen has served 200,000 meals within its dining room setting. This number does not include the thousands of additional meals provided during crises such as Superstorm Sandy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and supporting local warming centers and overnight shelters during Code Blue nights.

Supporters can directly affect change by dining at JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Red Bank or Toms River locations. The mission to fight food insecurity is ongoing, and continued community involvement is essential. To contribute directly to our Pay It Forward program, visit this link

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 February 12 2025 

JBJ SOUL KITCHEN POP-UP IN TOMS RIVER

Update – June 20, 2025 – We’re excited to share that the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up at the Ocean County Library will now remain open through August 2025!

Toms River, N.J. – February 11, 2025 – JBJ Soul Kitchen, the unique nonprofit Pay It Forward restaurant, is excited to announce the opening of a new pop-up location in Toms River, New Jersey. Located at 101Washington St, in the Ocean County Library, this temporary café will serve meals to the local community while continuing JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission of addressing food insecurity.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up will offer nutritious meals for a suggested price of $12. Diners can enjoy a variety of choices such as sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and large salads. For those on the go, an a la carte menu is also available, allowing diners to choose what they want for a lighter bite or quick lunch.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up follows the same model as our other locations. It is not a pay-what-you-want model or a soup kitchen. Customers pay for their meals and are given the opportunity to pay it forward, helping those who are unable to pay but have volunteered for their meals. All customers enjoy a delicious meal regardless of their socioeconomic status.

JBJ Soul Kitchen is deeply committed to supporting the Toms River community, especially those facing food insecurity. The new café is conveniently located near essential services such as the Toms River Bus Terminal and many businesses and organizations, such as Bright Harbor Healthcare, South Jersey Legal Services, and NJ Reentry Corporation offering critical services to those in need.

Rob Wood, Assistant General Manager of JBJ Soul Kitchen, expressed his excitement about the new location, “We are thrilled to expand our reach and serve even more members of the community. This pop-up allows us to connect with those who may not be able to visit our main location on Hooper Avenue,” which is located at The B.E.A.T. Center, a resource hub for the community. Rob continues, “Our goal is to provide a space where All Are Welcome to enjoy a nutritious meal and be part of a community where all are valued.” Guests can enjoy a delicious meal, knowing that their dining experience directly supports the mission of JBJ Soul Kitchen to feed those who need it most. “We are here to create a positive impact on the Toms River community,” Rob added. “Whether you are here for a meal, to volunteer, or to Pay It Forward, every small act helps make a big difference in someone’s life.”

Location:
Inside Ocean County Library
101 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08753

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Friday: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Saturday – Monday: Closed

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 September 24 2024 

9th Annual Chili Cook-Off to Celebrate First Responders and Support Food Insecurity

TOMS RIVER, NJ – On Saturday, October 12, 2024, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River hosted their 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off, a tribute to the dedicated service of first responders across New Jersey. This event successfully brought the community together to celebrate first responders while supporting JBJ Soul Kitchen’s mission of addressing food insecurity.

Our 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off was our biggest yet, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us! This year’s event featured delicious chili, enthusiastic competitors, and a supportive community, making for a fantastic day.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Vydia, for their continued support of JBJ Soul Kitchen. Their generosity helps us in our mission to fight food insecurity during a time when we need help the most. As of the end of September, JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River has served 72% of our meals to guests who were unable to pay and volunteered at the restaurant for their meal.

Thank you to all first responder participants who joined us for the 9th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Your continued commitment to keeping our community safe is truly appreciated, and we’re honored to have you as part of this event.

All 13 First Responder Participants:

  • Belleville Fire Department
  • Elizabeth Fire Department
  • Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Lanoka Harbor EMS
  • Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
  • New Jersey State Police NCO Association
  • Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Ocean County Sheriff’s PBA Local 379
  • Pine Beach Police Department
  • Rutgers University Police Department
  • Toms River Fire Company #1
  • Toms River PBA 137
  • Union Beach Police Department

Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Rutgers University Police Department
2nd Place: Essex County Prosecutor’s Office
3rd Place: Union Beach Police Department
Best Dressed: Toms River PBA 137
Best Table: Rutgers University Police Department

Thanks to all our sponsors for making this event possible:

  • Ultimate Chili Sponsor: Arden Group
  • Smokin’ Hot Sponsor: Steel Horse
  • Hot Zone 50/50 Sponsor: D. Ryan Landscapes
  • Chili Champion Sponsor: Caroline Rafferty Interiors, LLC
  • Guitar Raffle Sponsor: Honeygrow
  • Top Chef Award Sponsor: Monmouth Medical Center
  • Cooling Station Sponsor: Carlin Family
  • Cup of Joe Station Sponsor: Brandywine Gables
  • Table Sponsor: Mehul Choksi – Salaried
  • Chair Sponsor: Yeehoo Press
  • Chili Sponsor: PernaFrederick
    Donation Sponsors:
  • Farros
  • Soldier On
  • Mr. Happy Party Rentals

We are thrilled with the turnout and support from our community, and we can’t wait to see everyone at our next event! Stay tuned for more updates from JBJ Soul Kitchen as we continue our mission to provide nutritious meals to those facing food insecurity.