José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK), has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honour, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to humanitarian work and the culinary community. The honour was presented during a White House ceremony on January 4, 2025, where President Joe Biden praised José’s unwavering commitment to nourishing communities affected by disasters.
“You answered the call to serve and led others to do the same thing,” President Biden said, addressing the award recipients during the ceremony. “You leave an incredible mark on our country, of insight and influence that can be felt around the globe—in major cities and remote areas alike—binding us closer as people and showing us what’s possible as a nation.”
“In 2010, José travelled to Haiti after a devastating earthquake, determined to help. While cooking with displaced families, he learned to prepare black beans the Haitian way—mashed and sieved into a creamy sauce. For José, it wasn’t just about providing food but about listening, learning, and cooking alongside locals. This approach to food aid became the foundation of WCK. Since then it has served more than 450 million meals to people impacted by crises worldwide.
“José nourishes not only bodies but hearts, in his humanitarian endeavours. His impact on the world will resonate for generations,” WCK CEO Erin Gore said. “This honour reflects his extraordinary global contributions and the deep humanity that defines him. He inspires us all.”
As a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, José joins a distinguished group whose contributions have profoundly shaped society.
WCK teams are currently on the ground in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Spain, Mayotte, and North Carolina supporting families affected by conflict and natural disaster.
