José Andrés

The 25th Annual Webby Awards is humbled to honor José Andrés with a 2021 Webby Special Achievement for using his platform, both online and off, to tackle food poverty and insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic—notably through his charity organization World Central Kitchen. 

A well-respected chef, José Andrés has long used his influence to respond to the issue of food insecurity in the U.S., especially when a crisis strikes. As we collectively navigate the severe impact of COVID-19 on our most vulnerable communities, the Internet has become the most powerful tool for us to organize mutual aid for those in need. By working with his vast network of volunteers to provide meals for everyone from passengers aboard the Grand Princess and Diamond Princess cruise ships, to low-income residents in major cities across the United States, to survivors of Hurricane Iota in Colombia, Chef Andrés has demonstrated real leadership to help blind spots missed by government officials. Even more, Chef Andrés and World Central Kitchen have provided meals and N-95 respirators to healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic.  

For his incredible leadership, and use of digital platforms to organize his network of volunteers to deliver fresh meals to people facing food poverty around the world, it is our privilege to honor José Andrés with a 2021 Webby Special Achievement Award.