Chef José Andrés Is Changing The World One Meal At A Time
José Andrés is a celebrity chef. He’s also a restaurateur, owner of 30 restaurants, television personality and New York Times’ bestselling author. There are other celebrity chefs out there with similar accomplishments. Unlike the other celebrity chefs however, José Andrés doesn’t rest at his laurels.
Having made his mark as innovative and creative chef and achieved his personal goals, Mr. Andrés uses the power of his celebrity to make social impact as educator and humanitarian.
Among his most impressive humanitarian achievements is the creation of World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org/mission), a non-profit organization that according to his Website (http://www.joseandres.com) “provides smart solutions to end hunger and poverty by using the power of food to empower communities and strengthen economies”. It is true that part of World Central Kitchen’s mission is teaching and empowering. The rest of us are more familiar with José Andrés’ “Food First Responders”.
José Andrés, his World Central Kitchen and its volunteers stepped up many times to prepare and serve food (and comfort!) to survivors of major natural and political disasters. José and his team braved the elements, risked their personal safety, overcame logistical difficulties to feed people in need. Food is an universal language. Food crosses borders and barriers. Food doesn’t see skin color, religion, gender or age. Food affirms the value of a person. Food creates the sense of community. José Andrés knows the power of food well. He is using his culinary mastery with wisdom and compassion.
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A talent is – in some way – a gift. But it’s a gift that comes with obligations. If you keep it and use it for yourself, it has little value. A talent, special skill or ability gains value when it’s given.
Most everybody has some talent. Most people use their talent to earn a living. Some talented – and especially, well-to-do individuals – go beyond earning a living and perform occasional acts of charity.
A few truly fulfill the obligations that come with having talent. They feel compelled to contribute it to the collective good. Not to make money. Not to gain recognition. Not to benefit from good publicity. There is a number of such humanitarian heroes that come to mind. Chef José Andrés belongs on this list.
Every human being gets hungry at times. Under normal circumstances, we get to choose what to eat, when to eat, where to eat, etc. In disaster situations, there is NO food. You either eat or die. Food seizes to be a choice and becomes a life or death, essential need. In the aftermath of a disaster, food is the most precious commodity. A free, hot meal isn’t just a meal, it’s a gift of life.
And for providing countless gifts of life on many occasions to those in desperate need, we thank Chef José Andrés and recognize him as one of Alternative Human Community’s heroes.
Becoming a success in life is an achievement. Not forgetting one’s humanity in the process and continuing to act on it is perhaps an even bigger victory. Your integrity, courage and compassion have our heartfelt gratitude and respect, Mr. Andrés.
Photo credits:
Picture of José Andrés by David Shankbone – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19248349
Picture of fine dining credit: Jay Wennington on Unsplash
