Tom’s River Through the end of August, the Ocean County Library’s JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up will continue to provide meals and link patrons to necessary resources, organizers said.
More than 2,600 meals have been provided to the community by the nonprofit Pay It Forward cafe since it opened in February within the library’s Toms River branch at 101 Washington Street. The program, which was modeled after the successful JBJ Soul Kitchen, provides wholesome, chef-prepared meals for a suggested donation or in return for volunteer work, guaranteeing that every visitor is treated with respect regardless of their financial situation.
For customers who are on the go, the pop-up has an à la carte menu in addition to a variety of wraps, bowls, sandwiches, and salads. The cafe is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is close to Bright Harbor Healthcare, NJ Reentry Corporation, South Jersey Legal Services, and the Toms River Bus Terminal.
Of the meals that have been served thus far, 55% were obtained through volunteer work, and 45% were funded by donations. Residents of Toms River and nearby communities like Bayville, Manchester, and South Toms River make up roughly 75% of the volunteer diners, according to the organizers.
In Ocean County, there are 556 homeless persons, and almost half of them call Toms River home, according to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count. Fifty regular diners who are homeless have been identified by the pop-up cafe. Apart from providing meals, the cafe links patrons with partner organizations that provide essential resources. Among the referrals are:
- 10 to New Jersey Reentry Corporation
- 6 to Toms River Housing Coalition
- 4 to South Jersey Legal Services
- 3 each to Affordable Housing Alliance, CREST, and the Mental Health Association
- 2 to Ocean Health Initiatives
Two visitors have already found permanent accommodation thanks to their efforts, and four more are now being placed.
A man who first came without identification or access to medicine is now participating in NJRC programming and reestablishing contact with mental health services, which is a noteworthy success story.
Anyone wishing to support the mission, volunteer, or just enjoy a meal is welcome at JBJ Soul Kitchen. During business hours, visitors are also welcome to meet with local organizations.
To learn more, go to jbjsoulkitchen.org.
