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The basics:

• JBJ Soul Foundation receives 2026 James Beard Foundation Impact Award
• Nonprofit operates JBJ Soul Kitchen locations in Newark, Toms River, Red Bank
• JBJ Soul Kitchen has served more than 234,000 meals via its pay-it-forward model
• Foundation has helped provide nearly 1,000 affordable, supportive housing units

The James Beard Foundation is celebrating New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi’s nonprofit community restaurant concept for efforts to break the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness.

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation was among the five changemakers presented with an Impact Award by the famed culinary organization during a June 14 ceremony in Chicago.

The Impact Awards launched in 2025. The program showcases those actively working to push for standards that create a more equitable, sustainable and economically viable restaurant industry and food system.

Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea Bongiovi founded the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation in 2006. The organization seeks to offer solutions and opportunities for those in economic despair.

Since its launch, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has helped provide almost 1,000 units of affordable and supportive housing for thousands of people across 12 states.

In 2011, the organization expanded its mission by developing JBJ Soul Kitchen. The nonprofit, pay-it-forward restaurant concept has gone on to serve over 234,000 healthy, three-course meals across its locations in Newark, Toms River and Red Bank.

Additionally, JBJ Soul Kitchen aims to foster meaningful connections with guests through community outreach. The eatery offers job training, resume support, employment assistance, partnerships with local mental health providers and access to housing resources.

Serving up good

In a statement, Dorothea Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi shared, “We are honored and humbled to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation with this Impact Award. We salute all our fellow recipients as well as all of those who work in the culinary industry. We are grateful for this recognition, but the true reward is the work.”

Over the years, the group has received several other accolades. In 2024, the foundation earned an Innovation in Economic Development Award at the Governor’s Conference on Housing and Economic Development.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame inducted Dorothea Bongiovi last fall. She also received the Unsung Hero Award for her long-standing commitment to helping people in need. Additionally, nonprofit MusiCares named her Grammy Award-winning husband as Person of the Year in 2024 for his work at JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchen.

James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach commented, “We are thrilled to celebrate the 2026 Impact Award honorees. Five visionary leaders who recognize that food has the power to transform lives, not only at the table, but across our health, communities, economy, and planet.”

“From supporting immigrant workers in moments of crisis to expanding mental health access, reducing food waste, and fighting to ensure no one goes hungry — they represent the kind of visionary, compassionate leadership our food system desperately needs right now. It is an honor to celebrate their extraordinary impact,” she said.

Impact Awards Chair Mary Sue Milliken praised this year’s recipients for “tackling … complex challenges with creativity and determination.”

“Our food system is a direct reflection of our collective values — from environmental health and the dignity of labor to equity within our communities … By expanding opportunity and strengthening support systems, their leadership is actively building a more just and resilient food future,” she went on.