In South Dallas, SMU faculty members Doric Earle and Owen Lynch are spearheading a transformative initiative that goes beyond traditional urban farming. As co-founders of the nonprofit Restorative Farms, they are on a mission to build a sustainable and profitable AgriSystem model, addressing not only the issue of limited access to affordable and nutritious food but also fostering entrepreneurship within the community.
Restorative Farms takes a holistic approach by training, hiring, and paying members of the South Dallas community to work at its locations. The organization provides training resources for individuals interested in starting their own produce businesses, contributing to the growth of local entrepreneurs. Materials needed for the nonprofit are sourced from other South Dallas businesses, ensuring that every dollar spent is reinvested into the community.
The initiative also includes an internship program for high school and college students, imparting farming and nonprofit skills. This multi-faceted approach aims to create a positive impact on both the economic and social aspects of the community.
Challenging the notion of South Dallas as a "food desert," Lynch emphasizes the community's assets and sees an opportunity for growth. Drawing on asset-based community development, Lynch encourages utilizing existing resources more efficiently to improve lives.
Restorative Farms embraces a "community food system," integrating food production, processing, distribution, and consumption to enhance environmental, economic, social, and nutritional health. The initiative addresses long-standing food hardships by training community members to become professional farmers, cultivating local produce to supply neighborhoods with affordable and healthy food.
Since its inception in 2017, Restorative Farms has achieved notable milestones, including the implementation of urban farming practices, the GroBox program providing households and schools with resources to grow produce, and the establishment of closed environment agriculture through projects like Big Tex Urban Farms.
By collecting real-world data and focusing on sustainability, Restorative Farms aims to set an example for other communities facing food disparities. The initiative has garnered support from various collaborators, including government agencies, businesses, and educational institutions.
Restorative Farms, born from an entrepreneurial framework, is not only transforming South Dallas but also demonstrating that urban farming can be a viable solution to address food deserts across the United States. From its roots as a seedling farm, Restorative Farms has become a beacon for urban economic viability and a source of permanent fresh food options for communities in need.
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SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and more than 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities and the world.
