José Andrés Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on world-renowned chef José Andrés, HON '14-who among his many achievements advancing culinary and humanitarian work founded the Global Food Institute(GFI) at the George Washington University-at a ceremony Saturday afternoon at the White House.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant societal, public or private endeavors. Saturday marked the final time as president that Biden presented the award.

"Together, you leave an incredible mark on our country with 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," Biden told the 19 recipients, expressing gratitude for their commitment to service, innovation and inspiration.

Andrés is a renowned Spanish-American culinary innovator who popularized tapas in the United States through his popular and award-winning restaurants. His nonprofit organization, World Central Kitchen, provides large-scale relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.

Andrés' citation at the ceremony noted his "unmatched personality and heart" and that he "shows us there is a seat for everyone at the table."

He expressed his appreciation for the honor on several social media platforms following the ceremony.

"Chefs like me feed the few, but our destiny is to feed the many," Andrés said. "To be an army of goodness where a plate of food becomes a plate of hope…a light in dark times. Together, we can change the world through the power of food."

He has long been a beloved member of the GW community, launching his popular "World on a Plate"class in 2013 and deliveringthe university's 2014 Commencement address on the National Mall, at which he received an honorary doctorate in public service.

Driven by Andrés' vision of changing the world through the power of food, he and GW launchedGFI in 2023 with a mission of transforming lives and the health of the planet through an interdisciplinary systems approach across three main pillars: policy, innovation and humanity. The institute enables faculty and students from every GW school and college, industry leaders, policymakers and experts to work and teach across these pillars, producing cutting-edge research to create and improve domestic and global food policies, incubate and engineer innovative new technologies and entrepreneurial spirit, and lead critical conversations about the impact of food on the human race.

Since its creation, GFI has launched a minorin food leadership, released critical research, played a leading role in New York City's annual Climate Week, hosted convenings of experts and more.

Andrés' involvement with GW goes back nearly 15 years, when he first served as a special adviser on food issues to GW President Emeritus Steven Knapp. About the same time, Andrés, along with GW and teachers at the D.C. Public Schools' School Without Walls, located on the GW campus, created the Integrated Food Project, a curriculum that uses food-related examples to teach students about food and health.

Andrés recently spoke via video remarks at the Grocery Retail for All Summit, co-hosted by GFI, Food Systems for the Future(FSF) and Andrés for retailers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, community leaders and other key stakeholders.

"All of you here today have the ability to see how food can provide simple solutions to very complex problems," Andrés told the audience. "You have the ability to nourish people in your communities. You have the ability to ensure everyone, no matter their situation, has access to nutritious, affordable food. And you have the ability to create customer focused businesses and fill in the gaps when traditional grocery stores aren't available in your community."

GW President Ellen M. Granberg expressed her congratulations to Andrés on behalf of the university.

"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to José Andrés on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom," Granberg said. "This extraordinary recognition celebrates not only his remarkable achievements in culinary innovation but also his tireless humanitarian work and unwavering commitment to addressing global food insecurity.

"José has been an integral part of the GW community for over a decade, from teaching in our classrooms to founding the Global Food Institute at GW. We are extremely proud to partner with José to prepare a new generation of leaders who will use food as a force for positive change."

GFI's Carbonell Family Executive Director Stacy Dean added, "José helped to found the Global Food Institute with the goal of educating and inspiring the next generation of food leaders. His example is powerful and shows that each of us can be a force for a better world."

In addition to Andrés, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the following peopleSaturday afternoon: Bono, Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous), Hillary Rodham Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Tim Gill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hammer (posthumous), Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous), Ralph Lauren, Lionel Messi, William Sanford Nye, George W. Romney (posthumous), David M. Rubenstein, George Soros, George Stevens Jr., Denzel Washington and Anna Wintour.