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Apr 18, 2025
In February, the Ocean County Library in Toms River, New Jersey became a beacon of hope for people experiencing homelessness. It all started when a Dunkin Donuts went under, and Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen popped up in its place.
The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation — which was founded by John and Dorothea Bongiovi in 2006 — currently has five community kitchens throughout New Jersey.
Each location encourages customers to pay a suggested donation of $12 for a meal, or “pay it forward” for others in need. People who cannot afford to pay can also volunteer to work at the cafe.
It’s a restaurant model that drew criticism from Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick in early April, when he accused JBJ Soul Kitchen of turning the Ocean County Library into “a day shelter and soup kitchen.”
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"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.”
“This model has now been proven time and time again for well over a decade,” John Bongiovi added.
Full article:
www.goodgoodgood.co
In February, the Ocean County Library in Toms River, New Jersey became a beacon of hope for people experiencing homelessness. It all started when a Dunkin Donuts went under, and Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Kitchen popped up in its place.
The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation — which was founded by John and Dorothea Bongiovi in 2006 — currently has five community kitchens throughout New Jersey.
Each location encourages customers to pay a suggested donation of $12 for a meal, or “pay it forward” for others in need. People who cannot afford to pay can also volunteer to work at the cafe.
It’s a restaurant model that drew criticism from Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick in early April, when he accused JBJ Soul Kitchen of turning the Ocean County Library into “a day shelter and soup kitchen.”
.
.
.
"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.”
“This model has now been proven time and time again for well over a decade,” John Bongiovi added.
Full article:
Jon Bon Jovi's 'pay it forward' cafe defended by locals after mayor tries to shut it down
The foundation, run by John and Dorothea Bongiovi, recently served its 200,000th meal to underserved communities throughout New Jersey.
www.goodgoodgood.co
