Coming Soon
The Food Agriculture Nutrition Innovation Center will provide space and tools for our community to engage in hands-on programs and training related to food production, agriculture technology and innovation, and nutrition for improving health and performance.
Together we are creating life-changing opportunities for our community within the 70-acre JJK FAN footprint.
The Future is Green
JJK FAN, through our Lansdowne UP partnership, recently completed construction on our 11,000-square-foot passive solar greenhouse. The first of its kind in the United States, this unique space can produce over 30,000 pounds of food a year with minimal electricity costs.
This exciting step allows us to grow healthy food year-round! Our first crop features 19 varieties of collards, part of a research study to better understand how collard varieties respond to urban conditions. The research will help growers breed collards that will grow where soil isn’t as rich as in other places.
Youth will learn about the important role science plays in our food system while tasting different kinds of collards.
JJK FAN facilities help us provide experiential learning and training for our East St. Louis youth and families. JJK FAN is repurposing post-industrial land into a transformative community space focused on sustainable practices, increased access to healthy food, and the benefits of green spaces.
HUB OF ACTIVITY
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation owns and oversees JJK FAN facilities. A pillar in the community, the JJK Center provides after-school and summer programs, sports, and so much more within its 70-acre footprint. With a Metrolink station at the JJK complex, it is an easily accessible hub for sports and community events.
To meet demand and serve our community, we secured funds and are building a 24,000-square- foot Food Agriculture Nutrition Innovation Center.
