Renowned Chef Responds to Worldwide Crises by Providing Healthy Meals and a Sense of Hope.

After volunteering at DC Central Kitchen, an organization working to fight hunger in Washington, D.C., José founded the World Central Kitchen (WCK), a non-profit organization that has distributed more than 300 million meals to communities in crisis all over the world. 

Through his experience as a successful restaurateur and his volunteer work, he knew that food had the power to not only nourish those in need, but to provide a source of comfort and hope. 

José grew up and attended culinary school in Spain. He moved to the United States at age 21. He now owns 28 restaurants and two food trucks in nine cities and employs 1,600 people. 

WCK responds to worldwide natural disasters, man-made crises and humanitarian emergencies. The organization consists of a team of food first responders, known for their urgent mobilizations. Relying on local leaders and resources in the locations they serve, the team sources supplies as they go.

“When you talk about food and water, people don’t want a solution one week from now, one month from now. The solution has to be now,” José explained.

The food first responders have answered calls of help around the world. They deployed after a volcanic eruption in Guatemala, a hurricane in Puerto Rico, a devastating fire on Maui, a cyclone in Mozambique, the political collapse in Venezuela and the tsunamis in Indonesia. Most recently, the team has traveled to the Ukraine and Gaza. 

“I have seen how, in the worst moments, that is when the best of humanity can show up,” José said. 

José, a natural leader, is on the ground in every emergency relief effort, overseeing his WCK team, their volunteers and the local residents who assist with resources.  

He explained that what drives him is his caregiving nature. He credits his parents, both nurses, for planting the seed in him to help others. 

“Through food, no matter what crisis or hardship we face, people can show each other this simple act of care,” he said.

José has won several prestigious awards for his work with WCK, including the 2015 National Humanities Medal, which President Obama presented at a White House ceremony.

The Foundation For a Better Life and PassItOn believe that Chef José Andrés is a hero. He and his WCK team serve much more than a plate of nutritious food. They make a difference by sharing hope, dignity and a sense of caring and compassion. 

Watch video here: https://youtu.be/tUOotFAdA2k

Get Inspired, Sign Up to our PassItOn Blog:

http://www.passiton.com/passiton-blog

Please tell us about your everyday hero. The heroes among us are ordinary people whose actions leave a lasting and positive impact in their communities and demonstrate the potential in all of us. Their heroic acts uphold our shared values. Help honor these individuals by creating a billboard and sharing their story at: www.passiton.com/your-billboards/create