Fresh Houwse

The Sunnyside grocery store that feels like “calling home”

*Meet Ivy Walls and Jeremy Peaches, who are adding to their food system, by valuing local farmers, and connecting people with seasonal products once again in an age where supermarkets reign.*

“You’re supporting yourself by eating better, higher quality food. And that’s what starts at Fresh Houwse”.

Fresh Houwse is a community-focused grocery store based in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Houston, Texas; co-owned by Ivy Walls and Jeremy Peaches. When I spoke to Ivy about the beginnings of Fresh Houwse, she said that they “wanted to create a business in ag that establishes ownership in the food system. The farmer is the least paid out of anyone in the food system. As farmers, we were seeing ourselves depleted.”

While we do see farmers under resourced and up against increasing costs as well as climate change, Walls frequently combats the idea that farmers are poor and require “support" or charity”. There is the well-shared sentiment of supporting local, especially in the farmers market system. However, Ivy says, “Let’s get rid of the poor farmer idea, by purchasing with us you’re supporting yourself. You’re supporting yourself by eating better, higher quality food. And that’s what starts at Fresh Houwse”.

Walls also talked about the importance of creating a safe space for people, mentally and physically, which is something that Fresh Houwse has been able to accomplish. The store has become a hub for quality conversations and healthy eating, bringing people together at a human level. “I think there is an old-timey feel of being back in a mom-and-pop space. It’s not a supermarket, you’re hearing music that you remember and you’re singing along, and you’re eating what is in season,” Walls says with a smile. “There is this feeling of ‘calling home’ is what I like to say.”

I can attest to this as well. When I visited the store, I found myself thinking I could stay there all day, making conversation and feeling at ease.

Despite the challenges of climate change and educating customers about seasonal produce, Walls and Peaches remain committed to their mission. Walls advises young entrepreneurs to prioritize making business decisions that pay the bills beyond selling produce, while remembering that “the produce is the product of their love for the earth.” She emphasizes that working with increasingly extreme conditions, means our farmers need to be “willing to adjust every single year, every single week, every single day.”

When asked how she imagines people outside of Sunnyside interacting with the store, Ivy reponded simply with “By coming in and seeing what we have! Seeing what’s in season, getting availability outside of farmers markets. Getting connected with Houston local growers, as well as finding great value-added products.” Fresh Houwse is definitely a positive force for community health and well-being in Houston. The next time you find yourself needing to take a grocery trip, visit for yourself and build that deeper knowing of your food and your community.