Chef Kameron Trevino of the Disneyland Hotel is one of three culinary talents selected for the inaugural Sustainable Culinary Fellowship program. This innovative, year-long initiative from Disney’s environmental sustainability team focuses on menu development, sourcing, partner engagement, and waste reduction—all in support of Disney’s goal to achieve net zero direct emissions by 2030.
Creating Impact Through Plant-Based Innovation
At first, Chef Kameron wasn’t sure what to expect from the fellowship. But his passion for innovation and willingness to experiment earned him a place in the program—and a chance to make a difference. “We’re Disney! We can innovate like we always do,” he said.
At Goofy’s Kitchen, Kameron helped lead a 50% plant-based buffet for the Halloween overlay, followed by a special holiday overlay featuring equally delightful eco-friendly dishes. Among the fan favorites? His Korean Fried Broccoli with a Korean glaze—a sweet, crispy dish that guests have been raving about.
Reducing Emissions, One Plate at a Time
The idea behind sustainable Disney dining is simple: reducing the environmental impact of food by embracing plant-based ingredients and minimizing waste. By doing so, chefs help decrease greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain—from farm to plate.
Chef Kameron also introduced a creative alternative at the carving station: caramelized roasted pineapple halves with a vegan butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar rub. “All guests can enjoy the pineapple dish,” he said. “It really accompanies your meats as well.”
Inspiring Teams and Guests Alike
Throughout the program, Chef Kameron has attended educational expos and seminars, bringing valuable insights back to his team. The result? A buffet that delights guests and reflects the positive impact of sustainability.
“Guests are going back for seconds and thirds of the pineapple, sweet potato hash, and corn cake,” Kameron noted. “Seeing that level of enjoyment shows this is working.”
More importantly, his team is inspired. “They’re taking the learnings and trying to make it their own, and that’s the whole point of the program.”
Disney Planet Possible in Action
The Sustainable Culinary Fellowship is just one part of Disney Planet Possible, the company-wide commitment to building a more sustainable future. Through programs like this, Disney aims to reduce its environmental footprint, protect wildlife, and inspire guests to take action for Sustainable Disney dining.
