JBJ Soul Kitchen Rutgers University–Newark Celebrates 5 Years of Fighting Food Insecurity and Building Community

Rutgers University–Newark celebrated five-years of fighting food insecurity with JBJ Soul Kitchen restaurant, which has served more than 14,000 meals to students, faculty and community members since it opened on campus.

To mark the milestone, Rutgers-Newark and the JBJ Soul Foundation  hosted a special lunch for university guests at the restaurant, located in the Paul Robeson Campus Center. 

“It’s hard to believe, but one in three students attending a four-year college struggle with the issue of food insecurity,” Jon Bon Jovi, Board Chairman of the JBJ Soul Foundation, said in a statement before the event.

 “When we opened the first JBJ Soul Kitchen on a college campus, we wanted to create a model where no student had to choose between education and nourishment. Five years later, it’s inspiring to see the continued success of this partnership with Gourmet Dining and Rutgers–Newark,’’ he said.

At JBJ Soul Kitchen, each meal provides dignity along with delicious, healthy food. The restaurant’s pay-it-forward model allows guests to make a suggested donation or use a donated meal plan swipe, ensuring that all diners can enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared meal regardless of financial means.

This milestone is more than a number, it reflects the impact of collaboration, compassion, and purpose-driven innovation. “The JBJ Soul Kitchen model is a testament to the power of community university partnerships to address real challenges,” said Tonya Smith-Jackson, Chancellor at Rutgers-Newark. 

 “At RU-N, we are unapologetically committed to building inclusive pathways to success – and that commitment must include access to real, nourishing food. Intellectual growth demands more than opportunity; it demands sustenance,’’ she added.

Over the past five years, the restaurant has seen steady growth, with a notable rise in the number of in-need guests served. Today, more than 50% of guests served are individuals in need, a powerful testament that the restaurant is doing exactly what it set out to do: support students and fight food insecurity on campus.

“As a community restaurant, we are proud to be a place where everyone belongs,” said Michael Frungillo, President of Gourmet Dining. “Our growth proves the model works, it brings people together, feeds those in need, and empowers those who can give back to do so.”

This anniversary also celebrates the strength of community partnerships that have sustained the restaurant’s mission. Organizations like the Newark Teachers Association, Rutgers Police Department, and student groups such as SORAH (Students Organized Rutgers Against Hunger) have become vital advocates, helping to raise awareness and ensure continued support for students facing food insecurity. Equally important is the strong partnership with RU-N Pantry+, working together to support the community through access to nutritious food and essential resources. Together, these two important resources for students collaborate on educational initiatives and outreach efforts.

“Our JBJ Soul Kitchen family has grown thanks to student organizations and faculty who see the power of community dining,” said Dorothea Bongiovi, Founder of JBJ Soul Kitchen. “We are so proud that over half of our meals now go to students and guests in need, that’s how we know this initiative is truly making a difference.”

About JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchen

Since 2006, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has worked to break the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and hunger in communities across America. Through grant funding of local and national partner projects and creating sustainable programs, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has helped provide funding for over 1,000 units of affordable housing and shelter in 12 states and Washington DC for thousands of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and financial instability including youth and veterans. For more information, please visit jbjsf.org.

The Foundation expanded its mission in 2011 to address issues of food insecurity and currently operates three JBJ Soul Kitchen community restaurants. One in Red Bank, NJ and two in Toms River, NJ, in addition to the new JBJ Soul Kitchen at Rutgers University - Newark. JBJ Soul Kitchen serves nutritious, culinary dishes using a ‘pay it forward’ model where there are no prices on the menu but instead you are encouraged to make a suggested donation. If you are unable to donate, you are invited to join our community to learn about volunteer opportunities and resources. Since its inception, the Kitchens have served over 230,070 meals, reaching the goal of serving 58% of paying diners and 42% of diners’ in-need. For more information, please visit jbjsoulkitchen.org.