LJ Klink
Executive Chef, Cheney School District
L J Klink
LJ Klink, an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef (CEC), World Certified Executive Chef (WCEC), and Certified Culinary Administrator, brings over 25 years of expertise in hospitality and transformative food reform to the food waste discussion. With a Culinary Arts Degree, Bachelor’s in Communications and Government, Master’s in Organizational Leadership, and ABD in Educational Doctorate, LJ combines culinary mastery with strategic leadership. A proud member of the American Academy of Chefs with Master Certified Foodservice Executive (MCFE) and Certified Foodservice Educator (CFSE) certifications, he has been a trailblazer in nutrition innovation since 2011.
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
