The JBJ Soul Kitchen at Rutgers University–Newark (RU-N) is marking its five-year anniversary, celebrating a successful mission to combat food insecurity among college students through its unique pay-it-forward dining model.
Since opening, the campus restaurant has served over 14,000 meals to students, faculty, and community members. Crucially, more than 50% of guests served today are individuals in need, demonstrating the initiative’s direct impact on student nourishment.
“It’s hard to believe, but one in three students attending a four-year college struggle with the issue of food insecurity,” New Jersey Native Jon Bon Jovi, rock artist and chairman of the JBJ Soul Foundation said. “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.”
The power of sustenance and community
The JBJ Soul Kitchen model ensures that all diners can enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared meal regardless of financial means. Guests are asked to make a suggested donation or use a donated meal plan swipe if they are in need.
Tonya Smith-Jackson, chancellor at Rutgers-Newark, underscored the essential role the kitchen plays in the university’s mission. “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 stated.
The anniversary also highlights the strength of community partnerships with organizations like the Newark Teachers Association, Rutgers Police Department, and student groups such as SORAH (Students Organized Rutgers Against Hunger), all of whom work to sustain the kitchen’s mission alongside the RU-N Pantry+.
Dorothea Bongiovi, founder of JBJ Soul Kitchen, expressed pride in the results: “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,” she said.
Anniversary celebration
To mark the milestone, JBJ Soul Kitchen will host a special celebration on Oct. 30th, during extended hours from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy the three-course meal and join the festivities, which include giveaways such as Apple AirPods and Whole Foods gift cards.
Three grand prizes will also be awarded, featuring four VIP New York Jets tickets and an exclusive getaway to Crystal Springs Resort.
The JBJ Soul Kitchen at RU-N is located in the Paul Robeson Campus Center and is open for lunch Monday through Friday.
