Stephen Toon is an Indiana native and a former Marine. The Reverend Virginia Holleman hails from Connecticut and is a member of the Episcopal Clergy. Together, they are a dynamic duo!
When they joined the EWS! Speaker’s Bureau in 2016, Stephen and Virginia were already volunteering to help reduce food insecurity for seniors as members of St.Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church. After personally being coached by lead trainer Kyra Effren, they set out together to spread the good news of EWS! Stephen serves as the nutrition educator and Virginia shares SNAP information.
Stephen adds an extra special touch by baking cookies for each presentation. He also customized the chef apparel that he and Virginia wear.
Virginia shares about SNAP and its value as a supplement to the budget, addressing common myths about the program. She also researches and provides a list of food pantries nearby the site where they present.
Stephen says that he is excited to be a volunteer because, “Eating Well is a SNAP! is a great opportunity to interface with people of my own age group who need direction and assistance in being smart shoppers for their diet.”
photo 1: Virginia shares information about how SNAP can supplement a senior’s grocery budget.
photo 2: Stephen models his customized chef’s smock displaying images of fresh produce.
