Restorative Farms, the nonprofit fighting to end food insecurity and create jobs in Dallas, will compete in United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ The Pitch, a premier social innovation competition. Dr. Christopher Hill, an SMU engineering professor and Restorative Farms board member, will be representing Restorative Farms and, by association, SMU in the pitch contest.

Logo for Restorative Farms

SMU faculty, students, and alumni are invited to support Restorative Farms in The Pitch contest on April 29, 2026, at The Pavilion Toyota Music Factory. Every attendee will cast a ballot for the $30,000 Sara and Gary Ahr Audience Choice Award. If Restorative Farms wins, more funding will be invested into the nonprofit, allowing for more growing capacity, workforce opportunities, and regenerative soil.

Co-founders and SMU faculty Dr. Owen Lynch and Dr. Doric E. Earle posted the following statement on social media regarding the significance of The Pitch contest:

“…we are confident, energized, and truly inspired by the new leadership and talent at Restorative Farms (formal announcement coming soon). I also want to extend a special thank you to Chris Hill for his steady, thoughtful leadership guiding us through the pitch process.

At Restorative Farms, our mission is to restore health, opportunity, and dignity by growing fresh food, developing leaders, and strengthening communities from the ground up. Your support means the world to us—but win or lose, this journey has already made us stronger and more focused on advancing that mission.

Together, we will grow a better Dallas.”

The Pitch contest will be held on April 29, 2026, starting at 5 p.m. at The Pavilion Toyota Music Factory. For tickets and more information about United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ The Pitch, visit their website.

Isabella Grover
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