The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation Feeds Federal Workers For Free

Photo of John and Dorothea Bongiovi celebrating 200,000 meals served from JBJ Soul Kitchen

JBJ Soul Kitchen

Community kitchens across New Jersey are using a simple idea to meet a difficult moment: pay it forward if you can, volunteer if you can’t. During the shutdown, doors stayed open and meals stayed warm for federal workers.

How the Model Works

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation was founded by John and Dorothea Bongiovi in 2006. They have five community kitchens throughout New Jersey so far. Customers at any of these locations are encouraged to pay a donation of $12 for a meal to “pay it forward” to those in need. If a customer cannot afford to pay this sum, they can volunteer to work at the restaurant in exchange.

Free Meals for Federal Workers

Two of these locations are even offering three-course meals for free to any furloughed government employee. The restaurant took to social media saying, “If you’ve been affected by the government shutdown, JBJ Soul Kitchen is here as a resource. You’re welcome to enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared meal in a welcoming space. Our doors are always open to the community. If you’re in need, please come by, we’re here to support you.” All that is required for free meals is a valid government ID. The locations offering free meals are in Red Bank, Toms River, and Ocean County Library. Another social media post says, “As part of our mission, we’re dedicated to supporting our community. While you enjoy a delicious meal, you can also learn about additional resources and support available to you.”

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Looking back to 2019, The JBJ Soul Kitchen offered free meals and other resources during the government shutdown during Donald Trump’s first presidency. The 2019 government shutdown lasted 35 days, but no one can know when this one will end. This year an estimated 48,000 federal employees just in New Jersey will have to work without pay or be furloughed. Since the foundation’s founding in 2006, they have served more than 200,000 meals to people in need. The organization has “created a loyal community of supporters who happily ‘pay it forward’ when they dine at the Bongiovi’s establishments.”

Word From The Bongiovis

Founders John and Dorothea describe a model built on dignity and reciprocity, not charity. Their words clarify how the approach works in practice.

Pay It Forward, Not Pay What You Want

John Bongiovi’s wife Dorothea Bongiovi said, “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.” John Bongiovi also commented, “This model has now been proven time and time again for well over a decade.”

Community Response

The JBJ Soul Kitchen’s Instagram has gained a lot of attention with one person commenting, “If you can, stop in, buy a lovely meal in a cool place, and pay forward by paying for a second meal to cover someone in need.” Another person writes simply, “This is how you do it.”

Obstacles

Not everyone agrees on what support should look like in shared spaces. Local criticism surfaced—but so did a wave of firsthand testimonies.

Criticism From City Hall

Not everyone can appreciate or even understand the meaning behind what the organization is doing, including Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick. He accused JBJ Soul Kitchen of turning the Ocean County Library into “a day shelter and soup kitchen.” Rodrick also said, “[The New Jersey commissioners] have completely ignored all of our complaints and concerns. Mothers shouldn’t have to walk through large gangs of intoxicated and mentally ill men with their children to borrow a book.”

What Locals Say

Luckily, the locals do not share that sentiment, saying that Rodrick’s claims “couldn’t be further from the truth.”

• “It’s a wonderful place and somewhere we should all support and celebrate.”
• “Just went last week, it was nothing like what the Mayor says.”
• “Shouldn’t be any controversy over giving a hand or a meal to a family or person who’s struggling.”

Some Advocates

For people on the edge, a hot meal and a calm room can be the difference between getting by and giving up. Two voices illustrate that impact.

Matt and Molly

56-year-old Matt and his partner Molly lost their home during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been relying on the JBJ Soul Kitchen meals while living between shelters and hotels. Matt told the Asbury Park Press, “JBJ has been a big help.”

Gregory Andrus

Famed Toms River photographer Gregory Andrus posted on Facebook to his 70,000 followers, “The atmosphere at Soul Kitchen is on the more quiet side, peaceful, with tired bodies and tired souls resting with coffee or a meal. Soul Kitchen is more needed than ever. This is the one place that our homeless friends can feel safe, cared for, and treated like humans.”

In Closing

When neighbors share what they have—time, money, or a seat at the table—communities hold together. This is one way a local kitchen meets a national moment.

A Community Standard

It is easy to ignore a problem if it does not affect you. We should all have sympathy for those struggling in hard times. When everyone in a community can come together and help each other, the world becomes a better place. I admire everything that the JBJ Soul Kitchen is doing in this time of need.