Nestled in the heart of Houston, a vibrant city bustling with diversity and culture, Jeremy Peaches and Ivy Lawrence-Walls have emerged as beacons of innovation and dedication to a very important cause—sustainable agriculture.
Taking home the grand prize of $200,000 during the third season of REVOLT’s Bet On Black series, a groundbreaking entrepreneurial competition in collaboration with Target, Black Farmer Box was created to address food equity in the Black community and access. The business caught the attention of the esteemed panel of judges which included influential figures such as Pinky Cole, Van Lathan, Bun B, and Ray J.
A third-generation farm owner and visionary entrepreneur, Ivy’s roots in agriculture run deep, providing her with a special perspective and a rich understanding of the industry. Jeremy, a passionate agricultural entrepreneur, is deeply ingrained in both community and culture and stands at the forefront of advocating for food accessibility and equity
. Their combined dedication to nurturing food-secure ecosystems has positioned the company as a key figure in Houston’s agricultural scene.As shared by Bun B during the final episode, Black Farmer Box, a grocery box concept aimed at strengthening food security and promoting wellness through the principles of food equity, speaks to the Black experience in America. Devoted to the production of sustainable and community-focused agriculture and recognizing the scarcity of fresh produce in underserved communities, Ivy and Jeremy represent Black farmers giving back to the land, in the name of and for the benefit of the Black community.
During the taping, Ivy shared that “Houston is the fourth-largest city in America. However, it
ranks number 2 when it comes to food insecurity. With over 700,000 people who identify as food insecure…the Black Farmer Box is creating an equitable, affordable food system for farmers to serve food desert communities”—in the heart of the community, where people need it most.Ivy’s business portfolio includes Ivy Leaf Farms as well as Fresh Houwse Grocery, another initiative the pair launched, to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers and extend their shared commitment to providing fresh, locally sourced produce to underserved communities. She also recently opened Kuji Kitchen restaurant, a farm-to-table dining experience that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Houston and provides ready-to-eat food for those who don’t cook.
A defining aspect of the Bet On Black series is its commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs without requiring them to sacrifice equity. This aligns seamlessly with Ivy and Jeremy’s values, allowing them to maintain ownership and control over their ventures while receiving the financial support needed to continue their efforts. The $200,000 grand prize comes as a timely and pivotal boost. The funding will enable the pair to scale up their ventures and to promote food equity and access in Houston and beyond.
As representatives of the Black farming community, Ivy and Jeremy established a brand that truly encompasses the essence of Black farmers working the soil—with a strong community aspect. Their appearance on Bet On Black makes the idea of agriculture accessible to others and reinforces their deep commitment to addressing food security. By raising awareness for accessibility issues in underserved minority communities, they hope their involvement on the show contributes to the evolving narrative around the lack of access to high-quality, nutrient-dense food in Black and brown neighborhoods.
Ivy and Jeremy have served as a source of inspiration, demonstrating that with passion, innovation, and community-focused initiatives, it is possible to create positive change and address pressing societal issues.
As a symbol of a progress and transformation in the agricultural industry, particularly in Black communities, their success represents a shift in the narrative around agriculture and the pivotal role it can play in building resilient and thriving communities. Ivy and Jeremy’s dedication to sustainability, community empowerment, and cultural preservation have set them apart as true trailblazers in shaping the future of Black farming.
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