He was not feeding the Puertorican for free. FEMA paid him 11 millions and he wants more. 6.00dls per plate.. The rest of the people they was helping for free. Plus they have to provide him the food. With the money he gained in PR he is making a restaurant in Disney springs.
1
Thank goodness for Jose Andres and the volunteer chefs!!!
They are feeding people our government either refuses to, or is unable to, assist in their time of greatest need! First, feed the people!!
3
Too bad it was all talk. He charge $11 million for the meals.
He charged Fema 11 millions. The rest of the volunteers chefs, they did not charge a penny. It was small plates and he charged fema $6 per plate.
The recurring theme to me is not the generosity of the public at large at times of crisis because it has been demonstrated time and time again, but the complete obfuscation by the President and the government under him regarding the severity of the crisis in PR. Why do people believe that during their time of need, and the way the climate is going, everyone will have their time it seems, that the President won't lie about their situation? Nothing should concern people more than the fact that the President is lying about Puerto Rico and as a result, people are dying, one day he may lie about the tornados in Kansas or a coal mine disaster in Kentucky. Everyone has their time, we should all be grateful for the Jose's in the world but never stop questioning what type of man lies and turns his back on people suffering and dying and the mass of people who support him, still.
5
Grateful for what he charged Fema 11 millions. Before he wants 23 millions. $6 per plate. I was there. Small foam plates. The rest of the chefs they volunteers for free.
This is the most inspiring news I have heard in a long long time. Bless Jose Andreas. He has the heart of a lion and the soul to large to be measured. He should be awarded the presidential medal of freedom. We all must do more.
2
He should be awarded the chefs that makes millions , when the Puertorican was suffering. He charged Fema 11 millions. He should be shame of himself. All the volunteers didn't charge anything. Now he is building a restaurant in Disney springs with the money that FEMA paid him.
You are a true hero. I love all of your DC restaurants but I love and respect your tireless work in PR a thousand times more. Bravo, sir.
2
Tireless job sure anyone thats going to get paid 11 millions do whatever. While the rest of volunteers get nothing, they work from there heart while this chefs was the only one that charged $6per plate. They even have to bring him the food to cook. That was clean money
This is a great, inspiring story. Hats off to Chef Andres and the World Central Kitchen. Disasters can bring out agile thinking and action. I don't want to take anything away from his efforts.
However, as a researcher who examined both short- and long-term assistance after Hurricane Katrina, it's important not to take the wrong lesson from this story. Individual charity is critical, but not sufficient. Chef Andres and his network fed people for a month. He was able to do what FEMA and more established non-profits were not able to do ( in part because they were depleted from responding to two major hurricanes back to back.) However, Chef Andres is not going to be able to rebuild the infrastructure of Puerto Rico. That will have to be done in a slow, methodical way by FEMA and other larger organizations. That work is not glamorous and will take place long after the spotlight has moved on to other news stories.
I only mention this in response to comments that suggest that disaster recovery should be left to individuals like Chef Andres who just "get it done." I am no cheerleader for FEMA, Red Cross, and the Salvation Army, but just pointing out that Chef Andres' maverick approach works much better in the early stages of a disaster. And there are plenty of examples where well-meaning but uninformed mavericks made things worse rather than better.
Again, kudos to Chef Andres and to the Times for covering a heartwarming story in a season with all too few of them.
6
Well the federal government was the one that paid him 11 millions. He didn't do anything free. In a disaster like that you expect that he volunteered for free like the rest of the chefs but not he charged FEMA $6 per plate.
Jose Andres, I have enjoyed watching your shows on TV for a few years.
You really are a hero, feeding hungry people when organizations like Red Cross and Salvation Army were unable to do so after the hurricane in Puerto Rico.
You should be more than commended for your efforts. I applaud you and I hope many people learn that they can help if they just do it, instead of thinking of how to do it.
5
He volunteered but not free. FEMA paid him 11 millions. The rest of volunteers chefs they worked for free. I can't admired a person that use a disaster to get millions.
1
Another great story, Kim. It makes me cry with pride in these chefs who put their soul's beliefs into action.
3
To read about a competent, caring, do something useful man after reading about a terrorist, various crooks, scalawags and politicians has made me feel a bit hopeful that all is not lost. Thank you Mr. Andres and the NYT for printing this article.
8
I have been following Chef Andres on social media for a while- watching his work in Puerto Rico, it's clear that he is compassionate, incredibly hard-working, and magnificently talented—not just as a chef/restauranteur—but as a humanitarian and as a quick coordinator of massive, complex projects. What a good human he is.
4
Just Hooray!
3
José Andrés is my new hero. Kudos to the man who is the epitome of being the American immigrant who gives back.
9
It’s incredible that under Trump, FEMA cannot even be appreciative of this incredible, heart-warming effort by a true hero who could be making so much money doing other things.
8
What a beautiful human being. Thank you Chef Andres for being a shining light in the darkness!
6
Why did the “system” become much smaller? Is the infrastructure back in place so that the need is not as great? The feel good feeling of this article went up in smoke if people are still in need.
The need is not as great because stores and restaurants are beginning to operate again. Part of recovery after a natural disaster is the economic recovery that comes from everyday commerce returning.
Jose is a far, far better man than our so called "leaders".
While he works tirelessly and without recompense for his efforts, doing the right thing, the so called "masters of the universe" sit and plan on how to keep their tenuous grip on power...while good Americans in Puerto Rico suffer needlessly.
8
Charge FEMA 11 millions, it wasn't for free. The rest of volunteers didn't charge anything. He was the only one.when he left PR he was 11 millions richer. I hope that he can sleep well.
Thank you Chef Andres and all the Chefs/cooks/helpers,drivers, and prep cooks for just DOING IT! It is people like you that make me proud to be a US citizen. Muchas Gracias de mi corazón
4
What a comfort that when Trump ignores Puerto Rico, Mr. Andres and others like him pitch in and help. I am so proud of you all, doing the right thing.
If only Donald Trump could learn the joy of helping others in need.
19
José Andrés, Jose Enrique, the donors, and the volunteers showing us how mountains are moved through friendship. God Bless Puerto Rico.
12
Wow, what an amazing effort--Congratulations Chef! I donated to their cause. A tragedy that the U.S. government is not helping more, I'm glad to help be part of the solution.
10
Thank you Chef Andres!
10
Feed one person and it's as if you have fed the whole world (I think I read this somewhere) José Andrés has done his utmost: may all the gods bless him.
25
A Mensch!
23
so let me get this straight, in every other situation, from health care to spraying your garden, it's the government that's needed yet when something really needs to be done it's private initiative to the rescue. Hypocrites
9
This is because our current administration (A) has no interest in, but possibly animus toward Puerto Rico. And (B) wants to prove that government doesn't work, by making sure government doesn't do it's job. Trump is a destroyer. And unfortunately, he is very good at it.
10
José Andrés is not looking to profit here- this is purely a humanitarian effort. The key, I think, is that this network has the ability to be self-sustaining.
In every other case where we need government, it's because we as a society would be harmed by profit motives. It seems to be pretty easy to make big bucks taking advantage of our friends and neighbors. The free market has no need to care for people.
Government is not usually this agile and non-government humanitarian efforts often fall far short of their stated goals. Folks on the mainland lately have decided that in PR people are lazy and unwilling to help themselves. Do you really think this effort would have been successful WITHOUT an extensive LOCAL network? No planefuls of well-wishers or government contractors in this story, just locals looking for a way to help themselves and a man with a simple vision and the means to leverage them for the good of the people.
When you think about who is making/spending money off any given situation, you'll see there is no hypocrisy here.
5
This is what each of us should strive to be. If we can't be Mr. Andres, we can be one of the people stirring the stew, or making the sandwiches.
29
Thank-you chef. The plate of food in this article looked appetizing ,healthy and delicious unlike the FEMA 'snack boxes' containing canned Vienna sausages, a granola bar and skittles.
25
What a beautiful effort by Chef Jose! This is how Americans take care of each other.
12
His organization is where I gave money to help Puerto Rico. What’s not to like about what he’s been able to accomplish there?
11
What a huge heart!
Everyone who is moved
by his acts of incredible
goodness can: #1...make
an effort to emulate his kindness
and
#2 eat at one of his restaurants
to show support.
18
The article mentions that Chef Andres performed a similar act of mercy in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.
When I flew down from Miami about 10 days following the quake, on my flight was a group of a half-dozen Buddhist worldwide-volunteers, called together (from at least three continents) through a Vietnamese nun in Paris, and who, within 24 hours, had procured local foods (hard to find under those conditions) and were preparing and serving 2,000 hot meals a day (a 24-hour day) to patients and volunteer staff at the Adventist Hospital in Port-au-Prince.
Great things can happen when people think outside the box.
11
So admirable. Making America great again. Thank you.
11
Thankfully in Scotland we have never in recent history suffered any of the devestation I am reading here. I have many friends who are chef's and I will be passing this article on. MrAndres if you are ever in Scotland I am sure you would be treated like a hero. Here we watched in horror what was hapening in Puerto Rico. This guy just goes to show that our mighty goverments dont always know best. Well done to Jose and his team. This is much like our Social Bite program, to help the homless here in Edinburgh, Scotland but on a much bigger scale.
13
God bless Chef José Andrés. He has been more generous and compassionate towards my people than the USA Government!
10
The entire disaster response planning and on the ground action needs to be reconsidered and changed drastically.
While I have never accomplished anything remotely like what has been done with food in Puerto Rico, I have been volunteering disasters for years. Mr. Andres' actions exemplifies valuable lesson about PR: every disaster is different. Only those who can adjust their work to the immediate needs can succeed. If you are following a set of rules, or in the case of FEMA, binding laws, you can only go so far to meet the actual needs of the moment. Only quick assessment and rapid change have any hope.
This kind of adjust-on-the-fly approach can lead to waste both in sums of money and supplies. Haiti was a rolling disaster of relief after the earthquake of 2010. Needed equipment poured into the island and then sat locked up, sometimes for months, at the customs house.
Mr. Andres was fortunate in having contacts and the potential to build out a network of chefs quickly. In most cases, volunteers and volunteer groups arrive at the scene of a disaster knowing no one and having to cope with finding their way around in areas where street signs have been blown down and traffic lights are broken.
As wonderful as these efforts have been in PR, there is no need to make a singular hero out of the chef. Everyone who lives in an area where hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes are likely can take part in being prepared to help next time around...and next time will, indeed, come.
3
Jose Andres is indeed a singular hero, albeit leading a team of many heroes and setting an example for future heroes. Absent Chef Andres' leadership, imagination and perseverance, this feeding project would not have happened so quickly and on such a massive scale. Chef Andres deserves every accolade he's been given, as do all those who participated & those who continue to feed people in need.
4
Why not? He is a hero. There are almost ZERO heroes in this pathetic response to Puerto Rico and our fellow American citizens. Same goes for the US Virgin Islands. if there are orger heroes then let’s celebrate them as well.
2
Every time I read about what Jose Andres is doing in Puerto Rico I am moved to tears. As he says in the article, “We need to think less sometimes and dream less and just make it happen.”
We need to set aside our media, marketing, advertising and technology addled minds and return to our common sense, the skills we have to offer, and our shared humanity. Or as Nike says "just do it."
Andres has done this and touched the lives of millions.
16
Thank you Kim for your tender portrayal of this shining example of what's best in all of us, and for the early morning tears, which of all tears are undeniably the best.
11
First, let me say that this is great.
Not usually like me to take a "fewer regulations" perspective here, but there's something to be said about a bias for action, especially in emergency circumstances. From a business perspective, it's also interesting to see "agility" used in this context given its rise in the corporate setting. If for nothing else, this story should be used in B-Schools and disaster management training as an example of how to leverage local resources and local assets to stand up a relief system quickly.
10
The US news has been so horrible I was looking for uplifting news to get some relief and not finding much until this article. Chefs hot meals managed to warm my heart and fill my empty spot where hope usually lives and I am in Pa. not P.R.
The lessons here for improving such basic help in the face of tragedy are being shared also, such cooperation and compassion are the saving grace of humanity.
20
this story made me cry with joy for this man and the others working with him.
22
My respects to Chef José Andrés. A splendid example of volunteer citizen initiative and effective leadership, especially in emergency situations like the aftermath of hurricane Maria. I hope Andrés left in the island a strong network of experienced citizens trained in the logistics of emergency mass feeding (with decent, not subpar food) that can continue running on its own for the time being and reconvene in future national and local emergencies. The desire to volunteer and help was there (as in Mexico) but it required proper coordination of human and material resources to get it going. On top of everything, the food actually looks delicious. A great example of community solidarity, rather than individual and for profit action. And good luck to chef José Enrique leading the much needed farm-to-table movement in P.R.
16
Chef, you are my hero. I want to be like you when I grow up.
Bravo, maestro.
38
I find this so moving. People can be so good. This wasn't Walmart or Apple or a government or any well-funded entity; it was personal. I wish my substantial taxes went to support efforts like this.
58
often the only difference between edible and inedible food is whether or ot the chef tasted it. No excuse for too much salt or too little mayo.
This is the big problem with cafeteria food in the USA. Not everything can be run like MacDonalds.. esp when the available ingredients vary daily..
Bravo to chefs for humanity.. PS people may not know exactly what is wrong but they will know something is wrong..
Knowing how to taste and basic cooking is really something every person should know.. Recipes for most things are guidelines, the exception being baking where you had better follow the instructions to the T--at least the first few times.
6
Jose Andres is a national hero on the island of Puerto Rico. He has gone out of his way to provide meals for the people of his community. In the article Jesus R. Rivera states that Mr. Andres is “more that a hero.” I agree with the statement made by Jesus Rivera because Mr. Andres has been going out of his way to make more than 5,000 servings of Arroz in less than a month since hurricane Maria hit the island. Also stated in the article is that Mr. Andres has not only been serving people food, he has been developing a network of kitchens around the island to serve the 3.4 million people that are on the island. Mr. Andres is not just an incredible man but he is a great example for all young adults and teens. He sets a good standard for all of us to meet.
In my opinion, Mr. Andres didn’t just go to feed the people of Puerto Rico because he could, he went to feed them out of the kindness of his heart. Without even realizing Mr. Andres has created the largest emergency feeding the United States has every scene. People should strive to be like Mr. Andres and do good for the benefit for the communities and the country has a whole.
50
Thank you Mr. Andres. You are my hero.
26
Wow, wow, wow--so good to read some amazingly good news in the face of all the tragedy in Puerto Rico and the world! How inspiring! Let everyone be inspired!
45
Why can’t people like THIS be president.
161
From your lips to god’s ears!
Thank you chef for your kind heart and the NY Times for telling this story.
2
Our "president" sued Jose Andres for millions of dollars. Our "president", who quotes scripture, should wash Jose Andres' feet, not to mention the feet of the people in Puerto Rico that he (Trump) would have left to starve to death.
158
So, Chef Andres, can we help? Need $$$? I'd rather support you than the Red Cross.
69
Exactly. Why would you ever support the Red Cross? They are ineffective and red tape keeps it that way.
1
Yes - donate to World Central Kitchen!
4
Thank you Chef Jose Andres. Maybe you should be president.
41
God Bless Jose Andres!
41
Hero.
33
what a great guy. it is people like José Andrés that makes the world a better place. politicians could learn a lot from folks like him..but they wouldn't...cause they already know everything.
28
“We are not perfect, but that doesn’t mean the government is perfect,” Mr. Andrés said. “I am doing it without red tape and 100 meetings.”
Boom. Andres got it done.
83
In this one comment Chef Andres shows his character. He has the opportunity to gloat, stoke his ego, denounce the government. He does none of that. He modestly says he was just operating without red tape. His efforts should be an example for the rest of us for future relief efforts. Thank you Chef.
5
Kudos to Chef Andres. Also, I find FEMA's reaction, as described in the article, ridiculous.
51
Mr. Andres seems like a great guy. Pleased he helped. ‘Look, people are in need of not just food but good food' is not really true, you just need nutritious food in an emergency and Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) work fine. The US Army knows what people need to eat to survive.
3
The feeling of caring that seasons the good hot meal handed by a volunteer to someone feeling upset in a disaster does more than provide calories. The emotional support is just as important, and the army manuals don’t cover that.
16
You're talking about a group of in shape, trained, mostly young men and women who are in situations they chose to be in because of their jobs. Sure, they're fine with MREs. But when you're dealing with elderly people, sick people, children, families who have lost their homes, entrepreneurs who have lost everything they've worked for in their life, and worst of all, those who are grieving for lost family members, they need more than just survival food.
7
I respectfully disagree. An MRE may provide the calories needed to survive, but a hot meal cooked, prepared, and served with caring hands -- that gives people back a little piece of normalcy and dignity after a major catastrophe.
3
A staggering effort. Where is our government?
53
He put our government to shame. There is no excuse for this catastrophe to continue as it is.
74
This is incredible! Hats off to you Jose Andres.
41
One of the greatest compliments that can be paid to a public figure in the Spanish-speaking world is to call a person "humilde", which connotes much more than the translation of humble. It means someone who does not grandstand, but does his or her best to stretch out a hand and help others. The photo of José Andrés seated in the church, head bowed, as people thank him for his work, is the essence of "una persona muy humilde".
If we could only clone this attitude!
¡Saludos y gracias, Chef!
123
José Andrés is an American hero.
60
What an amazing story and how interesting how one committed chef can do what our government and non-profits cannot - feed thousands of hungry people!
Way to go Chef!
30
FEMA, meet FEEDYA. Bravo!
Further evidence that one person truly can make a difference.
49
Jose Andres--You are an inspiration. Look at the number of people you have helped feed in a time of a need that is beyond imagination. Thank you to you and to all the people with you that made it happen.
22
Kudos to you Chef Andrés for stepping up and doing a service for your community! And it is no easy feat to be able to do accomplish this while even the large aid organizations like the Red Cross are hardly able to keep up!
20
I witnessed Jose Andres's good work in PR first hand. Amazing, inspirational and reassuring at a scary time. Delicious, made with love and served in generous portions that could actually fill a hungry belly. The man is a gift to humanity.
85
As a result of these reports by Kim Severson I found a way to send a bit of financial support to World Central Kitchen. I have come to believe it may have been THE best contribution I have ever made.
54
Life's little ironies: a chef known for his small plates restaurants has the biggest heart, sacrificing attention to his business to become the most dynamic and selfless participant in the humanitarian relief effort in Puerto Rico. Jose Andres recently, and proudly, became a US citizen, and now, through his compassion and sacrifice, we're proud to welcome him as a fellow "boricua" too. Thank you Chef Andres!
68
After President Trump’s shameful comments about the mayor of San Juan after the hurricane, it is relieving to see this Spanish American chef leading efforts to bring nourishment to the people of Puerto Rico. Instead of criticising them on their ability to help themselves, José Andrés jumped into action helping the people in need. According to the article, "he has built a network of kitchens, supply chains, and delivery services that, as of Monday, had served more than 2.2 million warm meals and sandwiches." Mr. Andrés’ actions shine very brightly in a world of dark actions and hopefully, people will follow his light as he leads the way to a more generous future.
51
We went to Zaytinya (one of Jose Andres' restaurants in DC) twice in the last several weeks. I've never been more happy to give someone my business!
28
He is showing us the countless possibilities we have to serve each other. Instead of tearing each other apart, we human beings are truly meant to serve.
27
@Petey: Yours may be the best comment in this entire thread!
1
Chef Andres is truely a beacon of light in the PR disaster. I have so much admiration for this man who provided nuturing, caring meals for an overlooked part of our citizenry.
26
I've had the priviledge to work as a volunteer in this epic operation, I ammat awe of what chef José Andrés and all of the Chefs for Puerto Rico movement created; their determination, drive, passion and love for the island and food for the people of PR, as well as inspiring others like me to come in and volunteer. I have worked and met people from all walks of life these past weeks, and never have I been more addicted to a job as this one. Gracias José Andrés, de todo corazón y de parte de todo Puerto Rico.
53
Great article, great man. Efforts like these are inspirational and highlights the immediate and positive impact that can be made at any level of volunteering.
23
Where the hell is the government in all this. He can do this, a we used to be able to do this.
Just imagine if the New Madrid fault were to go if this is any example.
25
What a beautiful man! So inspiring to know there are good people - really good people out with big hearts responding to the real needs of this world .
Please- more articles like this!
73
I understand you are wishing "Please- more articles like this!"
But perhaps consider: it doesn't happen often that emergency volunteers in the midst of a disaster do so much for so many.
And I know you don't want to hear more about Trump, Manafort and Sessions, but they make millions by catering not to the masses, but to the foreign dictators and to the worst of Americans.
3
"“We need to think less sometimes and dream less and just make it happen.”
Mr. Andres words and actions earned my admiration and respect. As Masai Uriji suggested recently, when asked for his 'secret' to success, "Be more passionate than ambitious."
100
Here's to you, Chef Andrés. He saw an opportunity to help and did so, selflessly. I always have, but will strive to support his restaurants even more.
106
Its great that people stepped up and helped. However, as a gay person I don't want to pin my hopes for survival on a Pentecostal Church or the Salvation Army.
7
Gay, straight, blue, red, white, black, brown, Budist, Morman, catholic, Jew, Muslim, what the heck difference does it make. People were starving and thirsty and were in dire need and others helped. Fine to sit in your first world luxury and miss the point entirely.
27
who said this has anything to do with your survival or your identity? way to make yourself the center of attention.
how about you give due credit to what these organizations and Jose Andres have actually done to help people in need. pretty sure those helped didn't have to pass an approved identity test before they were fed. so stop whining about imaginary problems involving you, contribute to solving real ones, give credit to those that do, or just refrain from you-centric comments.
3
arlie: do you seriously think that churches or the Salvation Army are REFUSING to feed gay people? Do you seriously think they ask hungry people "are you gay or straight"?
Thanks for politicizing this. Yeesh.
1