Justin Pettit

Food Waste Summit 2026

Justin Pettit

Co-founder Santa Carota Beef

Justin Pettit

Justin Pettit is a third-generation cattle rancher and the visionary co-founder behind Santa Carota Beef the only grass-fed, carrot-finished beef on the market. Santa Carota’s premium beef has been featured by celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay and has garnered national recognition in The New York Times and Food & Wine. Known for its exceptional flavor, health benefits and sustainability, the brand has redefined high-quality beef for both chefs and consumers. Rooted in his family's ranching traditions and driven by innovation, Justin is redefining the beef industry. By finishing cattle on carrots, he has created a nutrient-rich beef that not only delivers exceptional flavor but also transforms beef into a superfood, packed with vitamins and minerals.

What started as a family ranching tradition has grown into a nationally available product, now shipping nationwide to consumers. Raised without antibiotics, harsh chemicals, hormones, or grain, Santa Carota Beef offers a cleaner, healthier option for beef lovers. Justin remains committed to delivering the highest-quality beef while preserving the land and industry for future generations. Justin is a devoted husband and father and lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife and three children. You can learn more about Justin and Santa Carota beef at santacarota.com or connect with them on Instagram and Facebook.

Biography

As Executive Chef Director of Nutrition Services for Cheney Public Schools since 2015, LJ has revolutionized K-12 dining by creating scratch-made, nutritious meals while championing sustainable practices to minimize food waste. His innovative approaches inspire students to embrace healthy, eco-conscious food choices. Beyond schools, LJ consults nationwide, collaborating with early childhood programs, the Washington Fire Chiefs Association to integrate sustainable menus into fire stations, and the Department of Defense to educate military families. As the founder of Richland Community College’s Culinary Arts Institute, he empowered future chefs to prioritize sustainability.
On the panel, LJ will share practical strategies to combat food waste, drawing on his servant leadership philosophy and culinary expertise. Using food as a universal language, he’ll challenge attendees to rethink waste through purpose-driven solutions, from community kitchens to institutional reforms, inspiring actionable change for a more sustainable future.

Sessions

2/24/26
9am-Rising Collection Costs- Celebrity Ballroom

2/25/26
11am- Food Waste in Education- Celebrity E