Jon Bon Jovi is a legend and a human being who cares. He and his team were able to open 3 community restaurants that are there for people who are hungry and who can dine for free. In a past story, we covered the opening of 2 restaurants. The JBJ Foundation has not only helped people but also touched the hearts of citizens worldwide. Here are some of the latest updates about the foundation.
Where the first solid and caring foundation was established
The JBJ Foundation is a non-profit organization led by Jon Bon Jovi. This organization started way back in 2000 to help underprivileged citizens in the United States. A few years later, their mission grew and reached Africa. JBJ Soul Kitchen is a community kitchen, and as of now, they have already served 155,000+ meals, with 54% earned meals by volunteering and 46% paid with donations.
This kitchen has aided millions of hungry people and has a simple motto: “All are welcome at our table,” for people who can’t afford meals — who can dine in for free. They don’t have any prices on their menu, and if people are hungry and don’t have any money, they have to do one hour of labor work in the restaurant, which is equivalent to a 3-course meal.
The third community restaurant is now open
The free 3-course meal is made with fresh ingredients that are served hot. This is the case for 2 restaurants that have been opened, one in Red Bank, New Jersey, and the other in Toms River, New Jersey. The restaurants are always buzzing with people, they are making a profit but, at the same time, doing good deeds for their fellow people. People can donate, volunteer, or even be part of the team. They are always open to more helping hands.
Now, they have opened their third restaurant at Rutgers University. The university and the JBJ Foundation have worked together to make this happen. “Now what we realize is that there were kids in colleges that were hungry,” says Bon Jovi. This is to assist students who cannot afford a hot and delicious meal — with the opening of this restaurant, many students will be able to fill their stomachs with delicious food without worrying about paying the bill.
The outstanding impact of JBJ Foundation in 2022
The latest update from the JBJ Soul Kitchen in 2022 is that, based on the statistics, they were able to serve 24,000 meals through partnerships, 15,000 volunteering hours, and 58% of their meals were served to people who are needy between the 2 locations opened. Now, the Soul Kitchen is open for donations for a hope center for the winter season.
The organization’s goal is “to recognize and maximize the human potential in those affected by hunger, poverty, and homelessness by offering assistance in establishing programs that provide food and affordable housing while supporting social services and job training programs.”
Their mission is rewarded with new partnerships and awards.
JBJ Soul Kitchen has received a lot of new awards, partnerships, and new milestones. They received Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2022 for both restaurants, they received a grant from Kohl’s Cares through their Community with Heart Program, Naloxone Administration lent a hand to all staff members, and now they are certified trainers. Moreover, there were multiple fundraisers that donated funds to the restaurants to continue their good deeds.
Their mission is to help break the cycle of hunger, poverty, and homelessness, one SOUL at a time. With this, they are one step closer to achieving that goal where strangers can dine in, bond, and form a strong foundation for a relationship, where people can feel that everyone around them is warm and friendly, just like family.
Would you volunteer at these restaurants if given the opportunity? Tell us what you think about the JBJ Foundation in the comment section below.
Preview photo credit Erik Pendzich / Alamy Stock Photo, jonbonjovi / Instagram
