José Named Humanitarian of the Year
Citing his heroic deeds in Puerto Rico and Haiti, the James Beard Foundation, one of the leading culinary organizations in the country, has named José the 2018 Humanitarian of the Year.
Previous recipients have been Michel Nischan, founder of Wholesome Wave, Father Gregory Doyle, of LA's Dolores Mission Parish, and Chefs Charlie Trotter and Emeril Lagasse. The award is given to "an individual or organization working in the realm of food who has given selflessly and worked tirelessly to better the lives of others and society at large."
Mitchell Davis, Executive Vice President of the Foundation, had this to say:
“José’s work in Puerto Rico and Haiti shows how chefs can use their expertise and unique skills to enact profound change on a global scale. He has demonstrated how, at the most difficult times, hot-cooked meals provide more than nutrition, they provide dignity. José’s work serves as an important reminder of how precious and nourishing food can be. And we couldn’t imagine a more fitting honoree this year as we celebrate how chefs and our industry rise.”
To read more about José's work in Puerto Rico, check out this report from Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, Kim Severson's write-up about humanitarian aid in the New York Times, and Kate Krader's Bloomberg piece on José. And to learn about the work of World Central Kitchen in Haiti and around the globe, visit their website.