2026

Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen

It is our great honor to bestow the Roger E. Joseph Prize on Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen. For nearly half a century, the Joseph Prize has honored those who strive to transform suffering— individuals and institutions who, like the biblical Joseph, respond to crisis not with despair but with an outstretched hand and an unwavering belief in human dignity. This year, that spirit finds its fullest expression in World Central Kitchen and its founder, Chef José Andrés, whose work has redefined what it means to show up for humanity in its darkest hours. From the rubble of earthquakes to the chaos of war zones, WCK has delivered not just meals, but the radical message that no one in crisis should be forgotten.

Chef Andrés and the teams of World Central Kitchen embody the Jewish ethical imperatives of tikkun olam — repairing the world — and pikuach nefesh — the sanctity of human life above all else. Where others see logistical impossibility, they see moral obligation. In Haiti, Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Turkey, and dozens of other places ravaged by disaster, WCK has fed millions, often arriving before any government or institution could mobilize. Their work is not charity in the conventional sense; it is a profound act of bearing witness and taking responsibility. And these are the very qualities that define the Joseph Prize's highest ideals of ethical leadership and humanitarian courage.

We would like to read the citation, which accompanies the $15,000 honorarium:
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The 2026 Roger E. Joseph Prize was presented by Sarah Zampell to Linda Roth, Head of Communications and Strategy at WCK, who accepted the Prize on behalf of Chef José Andrés and the World Central Kitchen

Whose commitment to prepare nourishing, comforting food to feed people amidst man-made crises, humanitarian emergencies, and catastrophic natural disasters provides much-needed sustenance along with hope and dignity in challenging times. And whose teams work with urgency, leverage local resources, and cook side-by-side with the people most deeply affected by crisis, all while serving meals daily to people in need and thoughtfully expanding their knowledge of food relief; 

Whose resilience-focused programming addresses chronic and acute food system challenges by empowering cooks to pursue hospitality sector careers, supporting the transition from dangerous wood- and coal-fueled fires to clean burning propane to improve human and environmental health, and supporting local farmers, fishers, and food producers to enhance food security and sustainability; 

And whose endeavors embody the Rabbinic imperative to provide food for the vulnerable, which our sages explain as among our most crucial responsibilities in this life: “When you are asked in the world to come, 'What was your work?' and you answer: 'I fed the hungry,' you will be told: 'This is the gate of Adonai enter into it, you who have fed the hungry.'" 

Sunday, May 3, 2026 16 Iyar 5786
New York City.

Please see video below to watch the Joseph Prize presentation ceremony from Sunday, May 3, 2026.
The prize is presented 17 minutes into the Ordination.

The 2026 Roger E. Joseph Prize was be presented to Chef José Andrés and the World Central Kitchen, at the Ordination Ceremonies of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 10AM, Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York at Fifth Avenue at 65th Street, New York City.

“I cook to bring hope, to solve problems, to feed people in emergencies, to bring families together. I cook every day to empower forgotten citizens, to give them training, and respect. I cook to build longer tables… to lift people’s spirits up.” — Chef José Andrés

“Food, in essence, gives you hope that maybe tomorrow will be better. That’s why a plate of food is so important in those moments.” — Chef José Andrés

A proud "Washingtonian with an accent" Chef José Andrés holds close his identity as a Spanish immigrant and an American citizen, placing upon himself the responsibility of both culinary ambassador and immigrant representing the two nations.

He is a visionary and a humanitarian, establishing World Central Kitchen in 2010 – a first-to-the-frontlines nonprofit organization providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.

His life has been spent thoughtfully communicating about food, boldly responding to crises around the world, standing up for human rights, and encouraging others to make a meaningful difference in the world.

He has been widely recognized for both his culinary and his humanitarian work, including by the James Beard Foundation, which has named him Outstanding Chef and Humanitarian of the Year, TIME Magazine, which included him on the list of 100 Most Influential People in 2012 and 2018, and President Obama, who awarded José the National Humanities Medal in 2015. José and World Central Kitchen have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and Jose was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden.

World Central Kitchen, founded in 2010, focuses on providing fresh, nutritious meals immediately following disasters. Their rapid response model bypasses traditional, slower aid methods by partnering with local restaurants and chefs. It is recognized for extreme speed in crisis zones and enjoys extremely high trust ratings as a charity.

WCK uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. They provide emergency relief in war-torn areas, and wherever climate and natural disasters strike. After providing immediate relief, WCK delivers programming to ensure system-wide improvements in food security, sustainability, and resilience against future disasters.

World Central Kitchen has served more than 600 million meals in more than 50 countries over the last 15 years. Their work is guided by the belief that food is a universal human right. Food is always provided without conditions.

Links

World Central Kitchen
@WCKitchen on Instagram
/worldcentralkitchen on Facebook