Celeb News » Jon Bon Jovi Fights Poverty With 'The Soul Kitchen'

Jon Bon Jovi Fights Poverty With 'The Soul Kitchen'


Jon Bon Jovi is attempted to fight poverty in America by opening his own restaurant where customers are encouraged to pay what they can afford. The 'Soul Kitchen' in New Jersey also lets citizens volunteer in lieu of paying for their meals, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The restaurant is the brainchild of the musician and his wife, who are seeking to provide a dine-in experience for those hungry but unable to afford food. The 'Jbj Soul Kitchen' initially began serving meals in 2009, using two temporary locations, however, the couple have now renovated an old 1,100 square foot building to use as a permanent premises. Speaking about the venture at Thursday's opening (20th October 2011), the multi-million selling singer said, "At a time when 1 in 5 households are living at or below the poverty level, and at a time when 1 out of 6 Americans are food insecure, this is a restaurant whose time has come. This is a place based on and built on community - by and for the community". The establishment is set to open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and will serve food using items grown from organic gardens. Natural food will be provided by Whole Food Market and other local vendors.

A keen charitable worker, Bon Jovi has worked on behalf of the American Red Cross, the Special Olympics, the Aids Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. In 2010, he sang on the 'Everybody Hurts' charity single for the Haiti earthquake fund.