KYIV, Ukraine — August 25, 2026 — Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK), has received  the “National Legend of Ukraine,” one of the country’s highest state distinctions, from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The award recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a significant impact on Ukraine. José was honored for his longstanding commitment to the country and its people since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

The recognition comes as World Central Kitchen reaches an extraordinary milestone in our response: 300 million meals served across Ukraine.

WCK began cooking in Ukraine within days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Since then, we have worked alongside Ukrainian chefs, restaurants, community kitchens, local partners, and team members to provide nourishing meals and food kits to people across the country—from border crossings and train stations to frontline communities and cities recovering from Russian strikes.

Chef José Andrés says:

“Five years later, World Central Kitchen is still cooking and feeding in the most difficult places near the front lines. From the first day, World Central Kitchen has supported Ukrainians feeding Ukrainians. Ukraine feeds the world—not only with the amazing grain it produces, but right now, Ukraine is also feeding the world with hope. I’m very proud to stand alongside the amazing men and women of Ukraine. They are fighting for all of us to be free.”

The 300 million meals milestone represents more than a number. Each meal represents a moment when someone in Ukraine needed food—and someone showed up to cook, deliver, or serve.

Yuliya Stefanyuk, WCK’s Ukraine Response Director, says: 

“From the first days of the full-scale war, José and World Central Kitchen have stood with Ukrainians, showing that food can be an act of solidarity and a source of hope.”

Andrés has maintained a close connection to Ukraine since WCK’s response began. In 2022, he received the Order of Merit, II Class, from President Zelenskyy. He was also named a UNITED24 ambassador in 2023 and has continued to use his voice internationally to support Ukraine.

The “National Legend of Ukraine” distinction was established by President Zelenskyy in 2021 and is awarded annually around Ukraine’s Independence Day to recognize exceptional contributions to the country.

World Central Kitchen, founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010, is first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. In Ukraine, WCK began its response within days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 and has since served over 300 million meals across the country.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact:  
Roberta Alves, Director of Media Relations at ralves@worldcentralkitchen.org or +1 202.400.7483
Our full media team is reachable at press@wck.org