TOMS RIVER – The JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up at the Ocean County Library will remain open through January 30, 2026, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation announced.
The extension comes as the community heads into the critical fall and winter months, when Code Blue alerts increase and shelter becomes scarce. Organizers said this may be the final extension due to limited support.
Since opening in February, the pop-up at 101 Washington Street has provided hot, chef-prepared meals under the same model as other JBJ Soul Kitchen locations. Guests may contribute a suggested donation or volunteer in exchange for a meal. Through the Pay It Forward program, paying customers cover meals for those in need.
To date, 69 percent of meals served have gone to guests experiencing food insecurity. The pop-up has also connected individuals to housing programs, job placements, sober living resources and distributed more than 700 hygiene kits and 80 Narcan kits.
“Too often, our guests — our neighbors — are reduced to labels,” said Dorothea Bongiovi. “They get treated like statistics, like problems to be solved, rather than human beings with dignity and stories and dreams. We are here to help.”
Rob Wood, assistant general manager, urged the community to support the mission during the coming cold months. “Every meal purchased and every Pay It Forward contribution helps us continue to serve during the coldest, most difficult months of the year,” he said.
The pop-up invites the public to dine or contribute before its final day on January 30.
