Spanish chef José Andrés receives the highest possible distinction in the US.

José Andrés, famous chef and philanthropist, is now accompanied by figures of great global relevance in various fields. Among them are Bondleader of U2 and human rights activist; Hillary Clintonformer Secretary of State; Jane Goodall, pioneering primatologist and environmental activist; Ralph Laurenfashion icon; Lionel Messiconsidered one of the best footballers in history; Denzel Washingtonrenowned actor and award-winning director; and Anna Wintoureditor-in-chief of Vogue.

The medal, reserved for the greatest exponents of civil meritwas established in 1963 by President Kennedy and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in various areas, such as national security, culture, science, public service, world peace, or civil rights.

The recognition is not limited to US citizens and can be awarded to both individuals and organizations. It is considered a symbol of national gratitude from the White House for exceptional achievements that have had a positive impact on society or the country. Among those awarded throughout history are prominent figures from different fields, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Muhammad Ali, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and world leaders such as Margaret Thatcher. Its delivery is decided directly by the president, in this case Joe Biden, who will impose it this Saturday at the White House.

Joe Biden has stated about José Andrés: «He is a renowned chef who popularized the cuisine of his native Spain in his adopted home, the United States. A proud immigrant committed to building tables for all, his organization World Central Kitchen has revolutionized the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.

In fact, the chef has just returned to the United States after an unprecedented deployment in the area affected by the floods on the Levante coast, where he has served some six million meals to the victims. His work in Spain with World Central Kitchen adds to his previous efforts in natural disasters and conflict zones.

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 immigrant rights and healthy, affordable food. He has directly advised presidents, especially the Obamas, with whom he collaborated to plant a garden at the White House that still bears his name. He is the second chef, after Julia Child, an icon of food dissemination in the United States.

Thanks to its restaurants, especially the Jaleo chain, it has contributed to popularizing Spanish food in the United States, highlighting national ingredients and dishes. In 2010, he founded World Central Kitchen with the mission of providing rapid and effective food aid to communities affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

When disaster strikes, it mobilizes its team of cooks and volunteers to set up field kitchens, drawing on local resources and ensuring meals are nutritious and culturally appropriate. This agility has allowed aid to efficiently reach those who need it most.

World Central Kitchen has intervened in events such as the earthquake Haiti In 2010, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017, the government shutdown in the United States in 2019, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza in 2024.

Biden also recognizes billionaire and philanthropist George Soros, highly attacked by Republicans for financing left-wing groups, and also very active in opposing Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship in Russia.

In addition, Robert F. Kennedy, Fannie Lou Hamer and Ash Carter, and other figures such as Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Bill Nye “The Science Guy”, David Rubenstein, Tim Gill, George Stevens Jr., and George Romney, all of them distinguished in their respective fields for their contributions to society.