Pat Browne

Food Waste Summit 2026

Pat Browne

Vet Tech

Pat Browne

Born in the Midwest to a family of farmers, Pat developed a lifelong passion for animal husbandry and initially planned to become a veterinarian. After earning a Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences from the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and being an RN for over 37 years , Pat transitioned to a long career in nursing.

For the past 21 years, Pat has focused on utilizing waste stream materials to maximize nutrient recovery and sustainability. Working with a long list of food producers and collaborating with countless professionals, Pat has gained deep insight into the lifecycle of food waste, optimizing the timing to redirect valuable nutrients before they are lost.

Pat’s diverse mix of chickens, Muscovy ducks, rabbits, and dogs has thrived on thoughtfully managed food waste, and transformed it into rich soil nutrients. This practice not only supports healthy soil microbes but also promotes flourishing plants, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and the circular food economy.

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