2025 Outstanding Peace Activist

Founded by humanitarian and Michelin star Chef José Andrés in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has transformed crisis response with a simple yet radical belief: “Everyone deserves a hot meal served with dignity.”

WCK has served over 500 million meals across 50+ countries, bringing nourishment, hope, humanity, and peace. Whether in Ukraine, Gaza, or Puerto Rico, WCK listens, adapts, and acts – empowering local chefs, respecting cultures, and meeting people where they are.

WCK’s mission has come with sacrifice. In April 2024, seven aid workers were tragically killed in Gaza – a solemn reminder of the risks faced by humanitarian heroes. Yet their legacy fuels the resolve to continue feeding communities in crisis. ”People don’t want our pity. People want our respect. I learned that we must listen when we’re trying to help the people of the world. We should not impose what we think they should do, we need to listen.” – Chef José Andrés. World Central Kitchen shows the world that peace can start with a plate of food – warm, shared, and offered with love.