JBJ Soul Kitchen Offers Meals To Furloughed Federal Employees Amidst Shutdown

RED BANK, NJ — Amidst a federal government shutdown, JBJ Soul Kitchen is inviting furloughed federal employees and those in need to join them for free, three-course meals.

The meals will be offered at three JBJ Soul Kitchen locations, where furloughed employees will be welcome to dine during their opening hours. Valid ID is required.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen locations and meal times are as follows:

Red Bank (207 Monmouth Street)

• Lunch: Friday (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
• Dinner: Wednesday-Saturday (5-7 p.m.)
• Sunday Brunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Toms River (1769 Hooper Avenue)

• Lunch: Wednesday-Friday (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
• Dinner: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday (5-7 p.m.)

Ocean County Library (101 Washington Street, Toms River)

• Tuesday-Friday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

“As part of our mission, we’re dedicated to supporting our community,” the kitchen said in an online post. “While you enjoy a delicious meal, you can also learn about additional resources and support available to you.”

The JBJ Soul Kitchen is a non-profit community restaurant established by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, according to their website.

At the Soul Kitchen, customers and those in need are welcome to enjoy locally-sourced meals and pay for dining as they're able to.

For those unable to pay, the kitchen invites diners to eat and learn about volunteering opportunities with JBJ Soul Kitchen, while those who can pay are encouraged to donate or pay it forward.

JBJ Soul Kitchen announced its offer to furloughed employees on Wednesday morning after President Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by the deadline.

Now that the federal government has shut down, about 750,000 federal workers – including some from New Jersey – are expected to be furloughed, and some potentially fired.

• Learn More: Federal Government Shuts Down: What To Know In NJ

To learn more about the offer to furloughed employees from JBJ Soul Kitchen, you can click here.