Title:Jose Andres serves “a plate of hope”

In October 2024, internationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian José Andrés (HON’19, Parent’23, ’26) gave the Tanous Family Endowed Lecture at Georgetown’s Gaston Hall.

Andrés reflected on starting The José Andrés Group in 1991 and his nonprofit, World Central Kitchen (WCK), in 2010, with a mission “to change the world through the power of food.”

He explained that through WCK, he has been able to advocate for implementing effective immigration policy and programs feeding millions of people.

“[WCK] is helping where help is needed,” said Andrés. “In the worst moments of humanity, the best of humanity shows up.”

WCK provides culinary training programs to empower communities experiencing food insecurity and fresh meals in response to humanitarian crises in times of acute and immediate need.

“In Ukraine we’ve done 300 million meals,” said Andrés. “In Turkey, we were in 10 cities after the earthquake. In Gaza, we’re doing close to a quarter million meals.” Since the lecture, Andrés’ WCK provided meals to firefighters in response to the L.A. wildfires.

“It’s not just a plate of food, it’s a plate of hope. When we show up daily with food and water, we are giving people our respect and we’re gaining their respect back,” said Andrés. “This is how you create communities.”