Charitable Soul Kitchen Now Offers Meals at Ocean County Library
By Eric San Juan

For some, a meal is hard to come by, and a free meal is a true blessing. But now that the charitable JBJ Soul Kitchen has opened a pop-up location at the Ocean County Library,
101 Washington Street in downtown Toms River, that has become a little easier.

JBJ Soul Kitchen is a non-profit community restaurant that serves those in need, or anyone who just wants a good meal. Customers may pay for their meals at a suggested price, but those who cannot pay are invited to dine regardless.
“It is not a pay-what-you-want model or a soup kitchen,” notes the restaurant’s website. “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.”

The new pop-up location provides closer and easier access to Berkeley residents than the restaurant’s Silverton location, and in a location that already provides a getaway for many during the winter months. “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,” Assistant General Manager Rob Wood said. “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.”

Established by New Jersey rock icon Jon Bon Jovi, to date nearly 200,000 meals have been served at Soul Kitchen locations, with some 57 percent of them paid for via volunteering rather than direct payment. "This new JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up location at our Toms River Branch represents another step in our mission to collaborate with organizations that treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter their socioeconomic status," said Library Director Susan Quinn.

"By forming this partnership, we are reinforcing the idea that nourishment extends beyond food—it's about community, education, and support."
Berkeley Township formed a partnership with the Soul Kitchen several years ago to help bring meals to retirees in need, working in conjunction with the People's Pantry on the effort.

The Soul Kitchen has a main Toms River location at 1769 Hooper Avenue, in the same facility as Fulfill NJ, formerly known as the FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties. Working in a similar capacity, Fulfill NJ helps provide the mobile food pantry that visits Holiday City / Silver Ridge Park each month.

The mobile food pantry serves the Holiday City / Silver Ridge Park area the fourth Friday of every month from 10 to 11am. It set up outside of Clubhouse 2 of Holiday City, 631 Jamaica Blvd. The visit provides direct access to free food for Berkeley retirees who can use the help. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, canned goods and more, most of it donated by grocery stores and residents throughout the area.
Meanwhile, at the Soul Kitchen, residents can walk in any time and just eat. And if someone is feeling up to it, volunteers are always welcome.

To learn more, visit jbjsoulkitchen.org
Contact the main Toms River location at 732-731-1414
or by email at [email protected]