Jennifer Drew-Banister, Founder

For me, food has always been about connection. A coming together to celebrate each other, the seasons, and special occasions. Over the years, this has also become to mean connection to self and how we FEEL. 

 I believe in the power of this connection, and that any journey is better traveled with someone to support you along the way, which is why I created The Bountiful Chef.

 I am inspired by the seasons, local produce, the personalities of our clients, and COLOR(!).  

​In my own health journey food continues to play a huge role - we are what we eat! I have experimented over the years with more restrictive diets, and continue to evaluate how I feel best while working with trusted practitioners in functional and conventional medicine. 

​I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis while my husband and I were going through IVF and understand the overwhelm that comes with a new diagnosis and also the importance of a strong foundation of food and lifestyle to balance that. We are finally on the other side of IVF and just celebrated our baby boy's first birthday. Check out @bountifulchef for updates, and a look into what is on my family's table and happening in our client's kitchens. 

​Bountiful Chef is currently based in Calgary, AB, where I received my culinary training from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and where my family and I now reside. Originally from the United States, in my "previous life" I was an actor and musician living in New York City. That is where I met my husband, John (originally from the Northeast of England), and when I'm not cooking, you probably can find me in a hot yoga class, chasing after my son Jack, or laughing, singing, and playing music with John.

​Food is so beautifully personal. I look forward to hearing your story, knowing more about your relationship with food and finding bountiful ways to work together.

Chef Christopher Kidd, Executive Chef

As Executive Chef, Chris Creates and Executes the daily Hot Lunch Program menu for school aged children. Fridays, Chris enjoys traveliing to the school to serve the days meal and interact with the kiddo’s. Other duties include Creating 

Recipies and Finished Product for the businesses Ready Made Meal Program. Chris has also started a Beef Butchery Program, where he gets to indulge in a personal passion of his with butchery and help make it affordable for everyone to enjoy fresh Steaks! 

Through these multiple programs, Chef gets to Source, Prepare and Execute Healthy, Flavorful meals for people of all walks of life. Working with Local Ranchers and Producers to acquire the highest quality product, while suppporting our    community is the very Core of what Chris and Bountiful Chef are all about.

Chef, has enjoyed some great success throughout his career. From attending the world renowned Stratford Chefs School in Stratford, Ontario while completing his apprenticeship with Windermere House Hotel/Resort in beautiful Muskoka, Ontario. To, celebrating Gold at several Black Box Competitions throughout Canada. To, helping restaurants receive  accolades for Best New Restaurant to Best Steakhouse etc.

Outside of work, Chef enjoys his Downtime, Softball and Karaoke. Or, you will oftren find Chef with his younge   daughter out in the community at a Farmers Market or local Festival, trying new foods and experiencing what is out there for the taking!