By STEVEN VIERA
Staff Writer
RED BANK — On Thursday, June 16, shoppers at any one of more than 50 area businesses and restaurants will have the opportunity to help people in need get access to a healthy meal.
The JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, a community restaurant that fights food insecurity by providing meals to diners in need and paying customers, is serving as the host to the Day of Hope/Night of Soul, a day-long event where participating businesses will donate a portion of their proceeds to the restaurant.
“We are excited to partner with so many businesses in Red Bank to help change the conversation about hunger. Food insecurity is something that we see every day at Soul Kitchen, so we are encouraging our neighbors to come out, shop, dine and support the Soul Kitchen in our efforts,” Dorothea Bongiovi said in a press release.
Bongiovi conceived of the idea of the JBJ Soul Kitchen, which is a project of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, chaired by none other than her husband, rock star Jon Bon Jovi.
Businesses participating in the Day of Hope/Night of Soul include The Bistro at Red Bank, Red Bank RiverCenter, Tiffany & Company and many more. Retailers and restaurants will have yellow posters hanging in their windows as a way of letting customers know that they are participating.
According to JBJ Soul Kitchen, the idea for a Day of Hope/Night of Soul arose through discussions with local businessmen about how to “educate, excite, and include the business community of Red Bank” about the restaurant’s efforts to help the community.
“The JBJ Soul Kitchen believes that bringing people together over a warm and welcoming meal helps to build the trust needed to connect them in ways that improve lives,” said Bongiovi.
The JBJ Soul Kitchen operates by serving both paying customers and those in need. By paying $20 or more, patrons can help subsidize the cost of a meal for someone in need. Those in need can also earn a dining voucher by volunteering in the restaurant. According to the press release, the restaurant “consistently reaches the goal of 50 percent of the diners paying and 50 percent in need.” In May, the restaurant served its 50,000th meal.