Toms River, NJ — As temperatures begin to drop and New Jersey prepares for another Code Blue season, community support becomes more critical than ever. One local effort making a major impact is the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up Café, located inside the Ocean County Library on Washington Street — and now confirmed to remain open through January 30, 2026. While advocates continue to push for a longer stay, the future beyond that date remains uncertain.

The temporary location — an extension of the community restaurants founded by Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Bongiovi — has quickly become a daytime lifeline for residents facing hunger, homelessness, and financial hardship. What sets JBJ Soul Kitchen apart is not just the hot meals served, but the dignity, resources, and sense of belonging offered with every plate.

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A Dining Experience With Purpose and Respect
Since first opening the doors of this pop-up early in 2025, the mission has remained unchanged: create a shared table where everyone is treated as a valued guest. There are no prices on the menu — diners contribute a suggested donation for their chef-prepared, three-course meal, or they may volunteer in exchange for lunch, allowing every person to give back in a meaningful way.

Through the Pay It Forward model, supporters can donate extra to cover meals for others — ensuring no one is ever turned away. This approach has allowed the pop-up to provide nourishment during some of the most difficult times of the year, especially for individuals without reliable shelter during winter.

The Need Keeps Growing — and So Does the Impact
Nearly 70% of all meals served have gone to guests actively experiencing food insecurity — a number expected to rise sharply as Code Blue alerts become more frequent in the winter months. But JBJ Soul Kitchen’s work extends far beyond serving plates.

Each visit can connect a guest to services that protect and rebuild their lives:

• Housing referrals, with multiple individuals already placed in long-term housing
• Workforce development and job placement opportunities
• Sober living and recovery support resources
• Hundreds of hygiene kits distributed, including women-specific supplies
• Overdose prevention, including more than 80 Narcan kits provided into the community

Rather than offer a single-touch solution, the team aims to open doors toward long-term stability.

“We see the person before the problem,” said co-founder Dorothea Bongiovi. “Our neighbors deserve dignity — not labels, not statistics.”

A Last Push for Support During Critical Months
The decision to extend operations gives the community just a few more months to rally together. But with no guaranteed long-term institutional support, advocates warn the January closing date may be final.

Assistant General Manager Rob Wood underscored the urgency:
“This winter is when our neighbors need us most. Every meal purchased and every Pay It Forward donation helps us keep someone nourished, warm, and supported when it matters most.”

How to Help Right Now
Whether you’re looking for a lunch spot that truly makes a difference or you want to give directly to someone who can’t afford a meal, everyone who walks in has a way to contribute. By dining here, visitors support food security efforts in real time — no waiting for charity cycles or administration delays.

New Jersey residents are encouraged to visit while the café remains open, enjoy a fresh meal prepared with care, and stand behind a mission that embodies the best of the Garden State: community, compassion, and connection.

The pop-up is currently scheduled to operate through January 30, 2026 at the Ocean County Library in Toms River. Until then, there is time — and tremendous opportunity — to show what can happen when a community refuses to let its neighbors face winter alone. Click here for informatioon about JBJ Soul Kitchen – Toms River and JBJ Soul Kitchen – Red Bank.