Community Corner

JBJ Soul Kitchen Offering Takeout To Feed You And Those In Need

The Pay It Forward program allows people to buy takeout meals while also helping those who are in need of meals.

JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River offers its Pay It Forward program through takeout meals that feed you and feed someone in need.
JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River offers its Pay It Forward program through takeout meals that feed you and feed someone in need. (Google Maps)

TOMS RIVER, NJ — If you're looking for ways to help those who are faced with food insecurity in the midst of the coronavirys pandemic, JBJ Soul Kitchen has a way you can help.

JBJ Soul Kitchen is offering meals to go for curbside pickup at it Toms River location that not only feed the person who buys them, but also feeds somone in need.

The Toms River location, on Hooper Avenue at the south end of Silverton, offers healthy, three-course meals that you can eat at home while paying it forward to feed those lacking food.

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In addition, the Toms River restaurant has outdoor seating and offers a complimentary kid entrée with the purchase of one regular entrée.

"The emergence of COVID-19 has bolstered our commitment to helping individuals and families in need," said Dorothea Bongiovi, founder and program director. "Since we transitioned back to our Pay-It-Forward model last month, about 83 percent of our meals are being served to those struggling with food insecurity."

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"We want to spread the word that those in need can still count on us for a delicious meal served with dignity," she said. "At the same time, those who wish to support our mission can stop by to enjoy a meal outside or order a meal online for curbside pickup. Together, we can do what we can to help our community during this challenging time."

JBJ Soul Kitchen is a pay-it-forward community restaurant where paying guests donate a minimum of $20 for a three-course meal, including soup or salad, an entrée, and a dessert. When ordering, diners also have the ability to donate extra meals for those in need.

Guests unable to pay are invited to enjoy a meal and learn how volunteering at the restaurant can support their individual and family needs — from access to available resources in the community through our partner network to tasty meals in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

During the pandemic, JBJ Soul Kitchen has provided 7,800 grab-and-go meals to those in need, including individuals, families, community partners, and front-line workers.

JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River is open Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with preorder pickup available from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with preorder pickup from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Menus feature seasonal items leveraging locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible from JBJ Soul Kitchen gardens. Vegetarian options, gluten-free, dairy-free substitutes are always available. Visit the JBJ Soul Kitchen website to order online and watch the "how to order" video.

Individuals interested in making a Pay It Forward contribution to the JBJ Soul Kitchen can visit the website.

For more information, visit www.jbjsoulkitchen.org.

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