The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation celebrated the opening of the Soul Kitchen, community restaurant in Red Bank, NJ yesterday.

Customers with no money don’t have to worry about the check, as the Soul Kitchen is accepting, both cash and volunteer hours of any kind as payment. The kitchen serves nutritious meals to all.

Before renovating the old 1,100 square foot auto-body shop as the Kitchen’s new, permanent location the JBJ Soul Kitchen began serving meals in 2009, using two different locations and assessing the customers’ needs and response to the model.

“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,” rocker Jon Bon Jovi told the News.

An individual who is poverty stricken will earn a seat for himself and his family, at the restaurant if they volunteer at the kitchen or other local organizations.

Others who can afford to dine anywhere are expected to leave a suggested donation for their meals with the knowledge that they have contributed to their community.

Much of the kitchen’s food comes from their own organic garden. Natural food is also provided by Whole Foods Market in Middletown, in partnership with their vendors.

The JBJ Soul Foundation is celebrating its 5th anniversary as a non-profit organization.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen located at 207 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, NJ is currently open from 5-7 Thursday, Friday and Saturday.