May 2: Good Food, Kind Souls

Rocker Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea have opened a restaurant with a twist.  Located on the Jersey Shore, it caters both to those who can afford a good meal—and those who can’t.

Known as Soul Kitchen, the restaurant is a pay-what-you-can initiative.  Patrons have two options: pay the suggested donation (or more to help cover others’ meals) or pay by volunteering to work at Soul Kitchen.  The diner is staffed by volunteers, and is open Thursday through Sunday.

As reported in The Wall Street Journal, the Bon Jovis originally tried out the idea using pilot locations at a local church and soup kitchen.  Then they renovated an auto shop which now has the “feel of a neighborhood hangout spot” and is part of the JBJ Foundation, the Bon Jovis’ charitable organization.  The JBJ Foundation had been mostly focusing on affordable housing, but with the economic downturn in recent years, they added feeding the community to their mission.

Offering food to the hungry will not only feed their bodies; it will nourish their souls.

You shall not harden your heart or shut your hand

against your poor brother.  (Deuteronomy 15:7)

Lord, we are grateful for the ability to help others in need.