Meet our 2026 Speakers & Panelists
Bertrand Weber
Farm to School Innovator & Former Director of Culinary and Wellness Services for Minneapolis Public Schools
Bertrand Weber is a nationally recognized leader in school food system transformation with more than 40 years of experience across hospitality, large-scale food operations, and public education.
In 2004, he launched one of Minnesota’s first Farm to School programs, helping connect schools with local farmers and seasonal foods. From 2012 until his retirement in 2026, Bertrand served as Director of Culinary and Wellness Services for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), leading a return to scratch cooking and positioning MPS as a national model for high-quality, sustainable school meals.
He has held leadership roles with national school nutrition and Farm to School organizations and has received numerous honors, including the IFMA Silver Plate Award and multiple FAME awards.
Bertrand is a true Farm to School pioneer, and we’re honored to welcome him as this year’s Conference keynote speaker!
Youth Programs Manager
4Roots
Session Topic: From Waste to Wisdom: Engaging Students in Food Waste Solutions
Director of Programs
4Roots
Session Topic: From Waste to Wisdom: Engaging Students in Food Waste Solutions
Sustainability Project Coordinator
City of Orlando Office of Sustainability & Resilience
Session Topic: Hive Minds: Beekeeping for Education and Community Engagement
Senior Program Manager
Food Forests for Schools
Session Topic: Hands-On Learning in the Food Forest
Program Director
Food Forests for Schools
Session Topic: Hands-On Learning in the Food Forest
Nutrition Program Supervisor
Miami Dade County Public Schools Department of Food and Nutrition
Session Topic: From Tray to Table: Scaling Food Waste Solutions Through Share Tables &
Collaborations
Assistant Bureau Chief, Support Services
FDACS – Division of Fruit and Vegetables
Session Topic: Back by Popular Demand – Food Safety Information, Activities and Games
Education and Training Specialist
UF Produce Safety Extension
Session Topic: Back by Popular Demand – Food Safety Information, Activities and Games
4-H State Specialized Agent
UF/IFAS, Florida 4-H Youth Development
Session Topic: Building Garden Programs with a Web of Support
Environmental Education Resource Teacher
Lee County Schools
Session Topic: Building Garden Programs with a Web of Support