Chef José Andrés delivering food in Paiporta, Valencia.
Credit JA, Facebook.
Spanish chef José Andrés has been recognised with the highest civil honour granted by a president of the United States: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He is the fourth Spaniard to receive this award since its conception by John F. Kennedy, after cellist Pau Casals in 1963, architect Josep Lluis Sert in 1980, and tenor Plácido Domingo in 2002.
José Andrés, chef and philanthropist, now stands beside world figures including Bono of U2, Jane Goodall, pioneering primatologist and environmentalist; Ralph Lauren, fashion icon; Lionel Messi; Denzel Washington; and Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue.
Presidential Medal of Freedom given for culture, science, public service, world peace, or civil rights
The medal, reserved for the greatest exponents of civil merit, was established in 1963 by President Kennedy and is awarded to people who have made significant contributions in various areas, such as national security, culture, science, public service, world peace, or civil rights.
Recognition is not limited to U.S. citizens and can be given to both individuals and organisations. It is considered a symbol of national gratitude from the White House for exceptional achievements that have had a positive impact on society and the country.
Among other winners throughout history are prominent figures from a variety of fields, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and world leaders such as Margaret Thatcher. The awarding of the merit is made by the president, in this case the incumbent Joe Biden.
José Andrés given medal by Biden for work in DANA affected Valencia
Biden stated that José Andrés, ‘is a world-famous chef who popularised the cuisine of his native Spain in his adoptive home, the United States. A proud immigrant committed to setting tables for everyone through his organisation, World Central Kitchen, which has revolutionised the way food aid reaches communities, especially those affected by natural disasters and conflicts around the world.’ The soon-to-be ex-commander-in-chief was making reference to Andrés’ work feeding relief workers and flood victims in the Valencia region as well as in Ukraine.
José Andres has just returned to the United States after an unprecedented dedication in the area affected by the floods on the east coast of Spain, where he has served about six million meals to victims and relief workers.
Born in Mieres in 1969, José Andrés is a widely respected figure in the United States by both Democrats and Republicans. He is an active defender of the rights of immigrants and the concept of a healthy and affordable diet. He has directly advised presidents, especially the Obamas, with whom he collaborated to plant a vegetable garden in the White House that still bears his name.
