Jon Bon Jovi’s charity wins James Beard Impact Award for JBJ Soul Kitchen community restaurant

Jon Bon Jovi’s not a chef, but he’s just won a prestigious James Beard award for his food-related philanthropy.

Jon’s charity, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, has been named a recipient of the James Beard Foundation‘s Impact Award, which recognizes those who work to “create a more equitable, sustainable, and economically viable restaurant industry and food system,” according to the JBF website.

When Jon established his foundation in 2006, it was focused on building affordable housing. He and his wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, expanded it in 2011 to open the JBJ Soul Kitchen, a nonprofit community restaurant in New Jersey that’s based on a “pay it forward” model. There’s a suggested donation for each meal, but those who are unable to pay can volunteer instead. Additional donations from customers cover food costs for those unable to pay.

In addition to serving food, the JBJ Soul Kitchen, which has four locations in New Jersey, also provides job training, resume support, employment assistance, access to local mental health providers and housing resources.

Jon’s charity is one of several Impact Award winners this year; they will all be honored June 14 at a ceremony in Chicago.

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