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Chef Jose Andres, in town for the World Food Prize, dines at local restaurants

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 10:11 GMT by Des Moines Register
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Chef José Andrés Dines in Des Moines for the World Food Prize Gala

In the crisp October air of Des Moines, the city’s culinary scene came alive when world‑renowned chef José Andrés—known for his avant‑garde cooking and relentless humanitarian work—took part in a star‑studded dinner celebrating the 2025 World Food Prize. The event, held at the historic Pioneer Auditorium on the campus of the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln, drew more than 200 guests, from local food‑policy advocates to national chefs, all eager to hear Andrés speak on the urgent need for sustainable, equitable food systems.

An Invitation to the Table

The invitation came from the World Food Prize Foundation, whose annual banquet traditionally crowns the “Nobel Prize of Food.” The 2025 laureates, recipients of the award that recognizes individuals whose research and leadership have advanced human knowledge of food and agriculture, were announced earlier in September. While Andrés has never been a recipient, his presence as a keynote speaker underscored the foundation’s commitment to blending scientific innovation with the human element of food service.

According to the Foundation’s official announcement (worldfoodprize.org), Andrés was invited to share his perspective on how culinary arts can be leveraged to address global hunger. The Foundation’s mission—to reward people who “advance the human condition by making food available, safe, and affordable” (worldfoodprize.org/about)—aligns closely with Andrés’ long‑standing work with World Central Kitchen (worldcentralkitchen.org), the nonprofit that delivers emergency meals worldwide after natural disasters.

The Menu: Food as a Message

The dinner’s menu, crafted by a coalition of Des Moines chefs including the executive chef at the local award‑winning bistro Bistro de la Vie, was a thoughtfully curated exploration of climate‑smart ingredients. Dishes highlighted heirloom vegetables, regenerative‑farm protein sources, and locally harvested grains—each plate accompanied by an explanation of its ecological footprint. Andrés himself served a signature amuse‑bouche featuring a tiny, hand‑poured coconut‑water ice cube, a nod to his emphasis on hydration as a component of food security.

The event’s culinary director, Maria Santos, described the menu as a “conversation starter,” inviting guests to reflect on the ways their daily food choices can ripple outwards. Santos noted that the selection also showcased local producers who had adopted regenerative agriculture practices, a point that resonated strongly with the audience of farmers, agronomists, and food‑policy experts in attendance.

A Speech That Resounded

When Andrés took the stage, he spoke passionately about the intersection of culinary creativity and humanitarian outreach. “Food,” he began, “is more than calories or flavor. It’s a language we all understand—a platform to bring people together, heal communities, and drive social change.” He recalled his early days in the kitchens of Barcelona, where apprentices learned to craft simple, nourishing meals for the city’s most vulnerable. “That humility stays with me,” he said, “and it is why I’ve built my career on the belief that every person deserves dignity in their dinner plate.”

Andrés expanded on his work with World Central Kitchen, recounting how the organization has responded to crises ranging from hurricanes in the Caribbean to wildfires in California. He highlighted recent initiatives that combine local sourcing with disaster relief, thereby boosting local economies while delivering immediate aid. The chef underscored the importance of partnerships between food scientists, policymakers, and culinary professionals—a collaboration he believes is essential for meeting the challenges of climate change and global inequity.

His remarks resonated with the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation. Several local food‑policy advocates approached him afterward to discuss potential collaborations between their city’s sustainability council and the World Central Kitchen’s food‑distribution model.

Local Impact and Forward Momentum

The banquet’s impact extended beyond the polished speeches and gourmet plates. A series of workshops and panel discussions, following the dinner, focused on regenerative agriculture, food waste reduction, and community‑based kitchens. The panels drew participants from diverse sectors, including the Des Moines Department of Public Health and the City Council’s Food‑Security Task Force.

In the days that followed, city officials released a joint statement announcing a new partnership between the city of Des Moines and the World Food Prize Foundation. The partnership will fund a pilot program that will introduce regenerative‑farm produce into the city’s public‑school lunch menus, aiming to improve nutritional outcomes for students while supporting local farmers. The initiative also includes a grant program to assist community chefs in establishing “food‑justice kitchens” that provide training, mentorship, and job opportunities for underserved populations.

The Evening’s Takeaway

Chef José Andrés’ visit to Des Moines reinforced the idea that culinary expertise is a vital component in the global effort to secure sustainable, equitable food systems. His compelling narrative of how a simple meal can become a catalyst for change left a lasting impression on the city’s residents and stakeholders alike.

As the 2025 World Food Prize winners were presented with their awards, Andrés returned to his kitchen, not as a celebrity, but as a dedicated advocate for a future where “everyone can have a good, healthy, and affordable meal.” The evening in Des Moines served as a reminder that, while science and policy shape the infrastructure of food security, the kitchen remains a powerful arena for social transformation.