Travis Meteer

Food Waste Summit 2026

Travis Meteer

Beef Extension Specialist

Travis Meteer

Travis Meteer is a Beef Extension Specialist for the University of Illinois. His Extension programming involves nutrition, genetics, reproduction, grazing, and marketing in the areas of cow-calf, stocker, and feedlot production. He is also involved in planning, executing, and disseminating applied research at the University of Illinois’ off-campus research stations.

Meteer holds a master’s degree from the University of Illinois in ruminant nutrition. He grew up on a family farm in central Illinois that he continues to help operate and oversee. Meteer has experience with feeding by-products to cattle and involvement in research of alternative feedstuffs in beef cattle production.

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