Toms River Mayor Criticizes JBJ Soul Kitchen Library Pop-Up Over Homelessness Concerns

Mayor Daniel Rodrick claims the initiative attracts unhoused individuals and raises safety concerns, while county officials defend its community impact and deny any increase in incidents.

The JBJ Soul Kitchen pop-up, operating in the Ocean County Library since February, offers meals through a pay-it-forward model and is scheduled to close in May 2025.
Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick has called for the pop-up's closure, arguing it effectively serves as a 'day shelter and soup kitchen,' attracting a larger homeless population to the area.
County officials, including Commissioner Robert Arace, counter that data shows no increase in safety incidents and emphasize the initiative’s focus on community support rather than serving as a shelter.
The nonprofit, founded by Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea, has served over 200,000 meals since its inception, combining paid meals with opportunities for volunteering and donations.
The debate highlights tensions over the use of public spaces for social services, with the mayor criticizing the library location while county leaders defend its benefits to the community.