Jon Bon Jovi’s music isn’t the only thing that has soul.
The singer and actor has two “Soul Kitchens” through his foundation where people in need can eat for free.
RELATED STORIES
Don’t let Jon Bon Jovi’s rock ‘n roll rep fool you!
The “Livin’ On A Prayer” singer is a total softie when it comes to helping those in need.
In 2006, Jon founded the JBJ Soul foundation (named after his initials).
It’s a non-profit organization with the mission to reduce the amount of hunger and homelessness in the United States.
This deeply important work extends to helping homeless veterans in need as well.
For instance, Jon’s organization recently took a page from fellow philanthropist, Gary Sinise , by donating half a million dollars to build an apartment complex for homeless veterans.
Jon explained the reason behind this decision on CNN’s “The Lead With Jake Tapper.”
“Often times, [veterans] left to deal with PTSD, and the issue of coming back to the workplace after leaving the battlefield…” he said.
“Life as you knew it is going to be different, and sometimes, people need that extra help.”
In addition to this, he released a song called “Unbroken,” which has all of the proceeds going to the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation.
It’s an organization that connects veterans and first responders with service animals.
While Jon’s music certainly has soul, so does his charity work.
The singer and actor currently has two “Soul Kitchens” AKA restaurants, under his JBJ Soul Foundation.
The premise for Soul Kitchen is this: people in need can eat for free!
If you can afford to pay, then you will only be asked to make a $20 donation.
As for the homeless, they are encouraged to eat and then later volunteer in the kitchen.
The first Soul Kitchen opened its doors in New Jersey — the place where Jon was born — in 2011.
The second opened in 2016 near Toms River, an area that had been devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
So far, the restaurant’s strategy has been working.
The organization’s website reported that 51% of the meals they’ve served so far have been paid for by donations.
“Our mission has always been to affect positive change and address the issues of hunger and homelessness,” Bon Jovi explained when opening his second restaurant.
“There are no prices on our menu. So if you are in need, you participate. And that means bussing the table, washing a dish, working in our gardens,” he added .
When you dine at Soul Kitchen, prepare for a unique experience.
There are no reservations or designated seating.
This means that you will likely dine alongside other strangers — a move that allows random strangers to connect.
All of the food that comes out of the kitchen is made with organic and healthy ingredients.
A lot of it even comes straight from the restaurant’s garden and farm!
According to the site’s menu, meals are served in three courses.
The menu, which changes every 10 days, is mainly American cuisine.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
With the restaurant’s mottos being “all are welcome at our table,” people feel right at home at Soul Kitchen.
In addition to the restaurant portion of the facility, there is also a food bank for the homeless, cooking classes, after-school activities for at-risk children, and so much more.
If Jon’s goal is to facilitate a sense of community, then he’s well on his way.
“Everybody feels like part of a community,” one of the restaurant’s chefs, Mario Batali, said .
“This is something that serves to feed not only somebody’s belly, but their dignity, their mind, their happiness,”
