The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation will present José Andrés with the Service to America Leadership Award, the foundation’s highest individual honor, next month. The award, which honors an individual’s commitment to advocacy and public service, will be presented during the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 7 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
“Andrés is highly acclaimed globally for his avant-garde cuisine served through his restaurant collective, ThinkFoodGroup,” said the NABLF. “Twice honored in Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and a New York Times best-selling author, Andrés was awarded by President Barack Obama in 2015 the National Humanities Medal, which honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities.”
Through his non-profit, World Central Kitchen (WCK), Andrés leads humanitarian efforts to feed communities in need in times of crisis.
“Andrés and his team have served fresh meals to those affected by man-made and natural disasters across six continents, including serving over 3.6 million meals to those affected in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria in 2017,” said the NABLF.
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Per a NABLF press release, WCK has also partnered with local leaders, farmers and restaurants to help those experiencing food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or the ongoing turmoil in eastern Europe.
“Andrés and WCK have been on the ground in Ukraine cooking nonstop since late February, where they have served nearly 30 million meals.”
Andrés’ work with WCK is the focus of the upcoming documentary film “We Feed People.” Produced by National Geographic and directed by Academy Award-winner Ron Howard, the film will premiere on Disney+ May 27, 2022.
NABLF President Michelle Duke said Andrés is a “culinary trailblazer,” both through his dedication in the kitchen and in serving communities in need around the world.
“When disaster strikes, the World Central Kitchen has stepped in to ensure communities have the strength to rebuild and that no one goes hungry,” said Duke. “NABLF is honored to celebrate Andrés’ devotion to combatting food insecurity with the Service to America Leadership Award.”
Previous recipients of the Service to America Leadership Award include “Hamilton” creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda, award-winning-artist John Legend and Grammy-winning musician Jon Bon Jovi.
A special one-hour production of the June 7 awards ceremony will be broadcast nationally on television, radio and digital platforms in summer 2022. Actor and television host Mario Lopez will emcee the event, with awards presented by musical artists, journalists and radio personalities.
For more information about the awards and event, visit the Service to America website.
