Jon Bon Jovi Opens JBJ Soul Kitchen at Rutgers Newark
The JBJ Soul Foundation and Rutgers University have come together for an innovative partnership with both sides committed to making a difference. Rocker and New Jersey native Jon Bon Jovi opened his third JBJ Soul Kitchen location in Newark today (Wednesday, January 22).
Community dining has become a critical need facing today’s college students which is why Bon Jovi has decided to use his voice and lend the help of his foundation. At Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N), the students, faculty, and community members are now invited to dine as well as pay-it-forward by making a minimum donation of $12.
According the Rutgers Newark Dining website, more than 50 percent of students “have exceptional financial need” and 60 percent of students “have experienced food insecurity.” This also stems from the 16.3 percent of residents in Essex County struggling with food insecurity.
If students are looking to dine at RU-N JBJ Soul Kitchen, they also have the option of volunteering their time to cover the cost of their meal. Plus, no matter what your current socioeconomic situation is, all of those who choose to dine at the kitchen will enjoy a delicious three-course meal.
“For the last decade, the Soul Kitchen restaurants in Red Bank and Toms River have provided well over 100,000 meals,” Bon Jovi told abc7. “Red Bank seats 33 people, Toms River seats 66. It’s been a passion project for us for a decade now.”
The RU-N JBJ Soul Kitchen is the first of its kind to be opened on a college campus in the United States. Bon Jovi’s newest location will be located on the second floor of the Paul Robson Campus Center on Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Newark which will be open Monday through Friday.
For those interested in volunteering or to learn more visit, https://www.runewarkdining.com/jbjsoulkitchen/.
