President Joe Biden on Saturday awarded Global Food Institute Founder José Andrés the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work delivering meals to communities affected by man-made and natural disasters. 

Biden presented Andrés — an acclaimed chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization that aids communities affected by disasters — and 18 others recipients with the nation’s highest civilian honor at a White House ceremony on Saturday. Andrés partnered with the University in 2023 to launch the Global Food Institute, a culinary institute focused on using education and research to improve global food sustainability, security and distribution. 

Andrés, a former Commencement keynote speaker, founded World Central Kitchen in response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The non-profit organization collaborates with local chefs to prepare meals inspired by regional cuisine and is currently aiding people impacted by five crises, including Hurricane Helene, the conflict in the Middle East and severe flooding in Spain. 

Since the Global Food Institute’s inception, the leadership team has launched a food leadership minor and courses like Culinary Diplomacy and Introduction to Food Studies. The institute aims to teach students how to address hunger, poverty and public health concerns while transforming food systems, the institute’s website states. 

In 2020, D.C. Mayor Murial Bowser appointed Andrés to serve as co-chair of the ReOpen D.C. Advisory Group, which was tasked with creating a plan for the city to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic using guidance from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Andrés oversaw a committee of 12 people charged with addressing food accessibility throughout the city and ensuring restaurants meet safety requirements during pandemic. 

Biden awarded 19 people the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their contributions to the country, world peace and other social, public and private endeavors. Biden said in his opening remarks that the recipients — including Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, conservationist Jane Goodall and Irish singer-songwriter Bono — have left an “incredible mark” on the country. 

“Today I want to congratulate you on all you’ve accomplished,” Biden said. “And I’m grateful for the work you’ll inspire for generations to follow.”