The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture, Nutrition Innovation Center — we call it JJK FAN — shows kids and teens how they can grow their minds as they grow healthy food. ** Want to help?

06/16/2026

Less than 48 hours away!

The campus is coming to life as the Lansdowne UP landscaping team continues transforming the grounds around the JJK FAN Innovation Center. Every day, the vision becomes more visible as we prepare to welcome you into a space designed for learning, discovery, and opportunity.

We’re almost ready to open the doors and share all that is growing here in East St. Louis.

4 Days Left4 Partners4 the Love of East St. Louis 💚It’s almost that time! You won’t want to miss this historical moment ...
06/14/2026

4 Days Left
4 Partners
4 the Love of East St. Louis 💚

It’s almost that time! You won’t want to miss this historical moment on June 17th at 10 a.m. Join us as we open the doors to greater opportunities for the community of East St.Louis!

06/10/2026

Join us on 17 June for the grand opening of the JJK Food Agriculture and Nutrition Innovation Center and witness urban farming at its finest.

Happy World Environment Day!Today, we celebrate the partners behind the JJK FAN Innovation Center and our shared commitm...
06/06/2026

Happy World Environment Day!

Today, we celebrate the partners behind the JJK FAN Innovation Center and our shared commitment to investing in the future of East St. Louis. Together, we’re connecting young people to food, agriculture, nutrition, STEM education, and hands-on experiences that help them see what’s possible.

We’re grateful to work alongside organizations that believe in the power of innovation, education, and community to create lasting impact in the world.

The seeds we plant today, both in the ground and in young minds will help shape a stronger tomorrow.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation Lansdowne UP University of Illinois Extension-Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Unit Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

06/05/2026

For decades, Jackie Joyner-Kersee has poured into the youth of East St. Louis, believing in their potential long before others did. The JJK FAN Innovation Center represents the next chapter of that commitment. It's a place where agriculture, nutrition, science, and innovation come together to inspire the next generation of leaders. We can't wait to welcome our community on June 17th as this vision continues to grow.

Never underestimate what can happen when a community chooses to grow together.The JJK FAN Innovation Center represents m...
05/29/2026

Never underestimate what can happen when a community chooses to grow together.

The JJK FAN Innovation Center represents more than a building. It represents an expanding vision for East St. Louis, where innovation, education, and opportunity are taking root.

Join us on June 17th from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and see firsthand what is possible when vision is matched with purpose. ✨

At The JJK FAN Innovation Center, growth goes beyond gardens and classrooms. We’re helping young people discover confide...
05/26/2026

At The JJK FAN Innovation Center, growth goes beyond gardens and classrooms. We’re helping young people discover confidence, purpose, creativity, and a future full of possibility. Every seed planted today has the power to shape tomorrow.



Join us on June 17th for the Grand Opening of the JJK FAN Innovation Center from 10AM–12PM, open to the public!Come see ...
05/18/2026

Join us on June 17th for the Grand Opening of the JJK FAN Innovation Center from 10AM–12PM, open to the public!

Come see all that’s growing here through food, agriculture, nutrition, and hands-on learning. Take a tour of the center, explore the spaces designed to inspire the next generation, and meet the dedicated people who are helping cultivate a stronger future for the East St. Louis community! ✨

We look forward to welcoming you on June 17th and thank you in advance for your support!

Last week, our team from the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food Agriculture Nutrition Innovation Center had a great time visiting...
05/11/2026

Last week, our team from the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food Agriculture Nutrition Innovation Center had a great time visiting the fourth-grade after-school program at Office Elementary School!

Students rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on planting experience while learning about the different parts of a plant and what plants need to grow and thrive. From roots and stems to sunlight, water, and nutrients, these young scientists were full of curiosity and excitement every step of the way. One of the best parts of the visit was hearing the thoughtful questions students asked throughout the activity.

Their enthusiasm and willingness to explore showed just how powerful curiosity can be in science learning. We’re excited to see how their plants (and their love for science) continue to grow!

05/10/2026

We are so proud of our past JJK FAN intern Miss Zhakeya Hawkins!!

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East Saint Louis, IL

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