Delavan residents will soon have greater access to fresh, sustainably grown produce thanks to the launch of the Fin and Fruit farming initiative, organized under Common Ground of Central Illinois. As part of its broader mission to bring people together to meet the spiritual, relational, and material needs of individuals and families in the community, Common Ground aims to foster connection and well-being through initiatives like Fin and Fruit.

Fin and Fruit, spearheaded by Kelly Powell and Nicholas Georgi, seeks to support local businesses, families, and the food bank by providing high-quality, locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Community involvement and education will be central to its efforts, ensuring that fresh, healthy food is both accessible and sustainably produced.

Fin and Fruit operates Anticipation Acres, the community garden located between the Dollar General and Prairie Bible Church, which serves as a hub for local residents to engage in sustainable agriculture and food production. The garden provides opportunities for hands-on learning and participation, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to food security and community-building.

To further its emphasis on education, Fin and Fruit has started hosting kids' classes at Anticipation Acre every Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. These sessions aim to teach children the fundamentals of gardening, sustainability, and healthy eating, fostering a deeper appreciation for locally sourced food from an early age.

The initiative has outlined a three-year plan to expand its impact. Its first year will focus on supplying fresh produce to local business owners and the food bank while launching educational programs and sustainable farming methods such as vermiculture and companion planting.

In its second year, Fin and Fruit intends to introduce a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, giving residents the opportunity to receive locally grown food on a regular basis. Other key developments include a self-serve farm stand, leadership training for high school students, and a community compost program. Additionally, an outdoor dining experience—either through a food truck or an open kitchen—will allow locals and visitors to enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

By its third year, the initiative plans to extend fresh produce offerings to local schools while advancing aquaponic farming techniques within a greenhouse. Community engagement will also be a priority, with space dedicated to local artist events and private gatherings.

Fin and Fruit has received multiple grants from local organizations, including the Optimist Club of Delavan, to help further its mission. These contributions have been instrumental in supporting the project's efforts to bring fresh, local food to the community while promoting sustainability and education.

By intertwining food security with community-building, Fin and Fruit—guided by the mission of Common Ground of Central Illinois—hopes to create a healthier, more connected future for Delavan. The project's organizers encourage local participation, emphasizing that with community support, they can cultivate a stronger, more resilient community—one harvest at a time.