Sound Bytes Event Combines Storytelling With Culinary Experience

Asbury Park will transform into a “storytelling sanctuary by the sea” as the Sound Bytes: Stories & Food for the Soul event brings together local narratives and plant-based cuisine on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The free community gathering, starting at 2:00 PM at the Salvation Army Asbury Park, offers attendees an afternoon of cultural connection through shared food memories and complimentary meals, according to the North to Shore Festival website.

Jointly produced by Project Write Now and the Asbury Park Mayor’s Wellness Committee as part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, the event celebrates the intersection of cultural heritage, community building, and culinary traditions through personal storytelling followed by a communal meal.

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Local Voices Share Food-Centered Stories

The event kicks off with community members sharing their most cherished food memories—from grandmother’s secret recipes to first tastes of cultural dishes that connect generations. These narratives aim to transport listeners to family kitchens, community gatherings, and tables where food creates lasting bonds.

Jennifer Chauhan, Executive Director of Project Write Now, emphasizes the power of food narratives to bridge cultural divides. “Food stories connect us across generations and backgrounds,” Chauhan told Asbury Park Press. “When we share these memories, we’re also sharing parts of our identity and heritage.”

The storytelling segment highlights Asbury Park’s diverse community voices and celebrates the meals that mark pivotal life moments, creating a multigenerational and multicultural experience accessible to all ages.

Culinary Component Features Local Talent

Following the storytelling portion, attendees will enjoy complimentary plant-based meals crafted by local culinary talents. This direct connection between narrative and nourishment allows participants to literally taste the community’s vibrant food culture celebrated in the stories they’ve just heard.

The emphasis on plant-based options aligns with the Asbury Park Mayor’s Wellness Committee’s ongoing initiatives to promote healthy eating within the community. According to New Jersey Healthy Living, the committee has been instrumental in developing programs that make nutritious foods more accessible throughout the city.

“Our goal isn’t just to feed people for one afternoon, but to inspire new relationships with food and community that continue long after the event,” explains Mike Sodano, chair of the Mayor’s Wellness Committee. “This is about nourishing bodies and strengthening neighborhood bonds simultaneously.”

Community Engagement Beyond Storytelling

Upon arrival, registered attendees will receive a “community passport” to be stamped by Asbury Park nonprofit partners throughout the event. Completed passports qualify participants for door prizes, encouraging interaction with local organizations.

This aspect of the event highlights the festival’s commitment to community building, with multiple Asbury Park nonprofits participating to showcase their services and connect with residents in a festive environment.

The passport activity represents the broader mission of the North to Shore Festival, which aims to celebrate New Jersey’s legacy of innovation and excellence in the arts while strengthening community connections across the participating cities of Newark, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City.

Festival Context and Support

Sound Bytes: Stories & Food for the Soul is one of dozens of events taking place during the Prudential North to Shore Festival, running from June 14-29 across multiple New Jersey locations. The festival, described as “the festival only Jersey can handle,” features varied programming that celebrates the state’s artistic and cultural contributions.

The event receives support from the City of Asbury Park under Mayor John Moor, along with festival-wide sponsorship from Prudential and coordination among the mayors of Newark, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City.

Registration information and additional details about Sound Bytes: Stories & Food for the Soul can be found on the North to Shore Festival website, with the event organizers encouraging early registration due to capacity limitations at the venue.

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