Jennifer Bryant, a research and development technician in Canada's Smartest Kitchen and an alumna of Holland College's Culinary Arts and Applied Degree in Culinary Operations programs, will represent Atlantic Canada in the Bidvest World Chef's Tour Against Hunger, taking place in South Africa August 20 to 27.

The one-week cooking tour is an opportunity for chefs and cooks from across the globe to come together and raise funds for the fight against world hunger. The event is expected to raise a total of 4 million rand (about $565,000). The Canadian Culinary Federation and the Junior Chefs Association are involved in the event.

"Teams of chefs will tour different cities in South Africa to partake in chef parades, food festivals and food demonstrations across the country before returning to Johannesburg. The week will finish off with a Gala Dinner and auction to raise additional funds," Bryant said.

Bryant, who is vice president of the PEI Junior Chefs Association is looking forward to representing the region on the international stage.

"I am excited to learn about the South African culture and to be able to help so many people by putting my culinary skills and training to use. In South Africa, 2.5 million children will go hungry today, and tomorrow there will be more. I am honoured to represent Canada and have the opportunity to help alleviate at least some of the hunger, especially when many of these families do not know where they will go for their next meal."

As a fundraising initiative, junior chefs from across Canada have created an 18-month food calendar. Each month features a chef and their recipe. Calendars are $20 and all of the proceeds go towards the World Chef's Tour for Hunger and other Junior Chef exchanges.