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Farm stand specializing in freeze dried sweets open for business | News, Sports, Jobs - Times Republican

Sep 30, 2024 CONTRIBUTED PHOTO - Arianna Howard shows her new business - Churro’s Sweets, a farm stand set up in her front yard on Garland Drive. She creates and sells freeze-dried candies from the

Sep 30, 2024

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO - Arianna Howard shows her new business - Churro’s Sweets, a farm stand set up in her front yard on Garland Drive. She creates and sells freeze-dried candies from the stand.

Marshalltown residents might have noticed a new structure on Garland Drive – a sweet treats farm stand called Churro’s Sweets.

Owned by Arianna Howard, 24, the business opened for the first time on Sept. 1.

“Churro’s Sweets is our business where we sell freeze dried candy and baked goods,” she said. “You can either find our goodies at the stand, or message us for pick up anytime. We actually don’t sell churros. We named our business after our husky named ‘Churro.'”

Howard said customers can find different selections of cookies, rice krispie treats, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables and more.

Getting everything right for Churro’s Sweets took a lot of time and research, she said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO – Churro’s Sweets owner Arianna Howard places some candies in her freeze dryer. The candies are for sale at her farm stand.

“We had to learn how to use a new machine as well as make sure candy was done properly,” Howard said. “We also learned a lot about the cottage food laws in Iowa, what we can and can’t sell. We had to make sure the city would allow us to have a stand, as well as see if we needed any permits in general.”

Her husband Nate was in charge of construction of the stand, and Howard took over designing and painting.

“We basically went off of pictures of other stands I was interested in and it ended up turning out great,” she said. “It took us about a good month or two to get it finished. We wanted to get it outside for the fall season this year.”

Howard came up with the idea of setting up a farm stand in her yard because she wants to eventually reside on a farm again.

“I always loved the idea of having a self-serve stand for people to enjoy,” she said. “It’s like a farmers market but without the crowds and you get to enjoy your shopping in peace.”

Originally from Denison, she moved to Marshalltown four years ago with Nate. During her high school years, Howard lived on a farm with her mother and stepfather.

“I learned a lot about preserving foods which brought my interest into buying a freeze dryer,” she said. “We used the freeze dryer to prep for any emergencies and mostly to preserve and not waste food.”

Learning the process of freeze drying and experimenting with it, Howard realized how popular freeze-dried candy had become, and wanted to take her own shot at it.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said.

While letting the public know about Churro’s, Howard has let them know it is also military owned.

“We are a military family,” she said. “Nate has been in the National Guard for 11 years now. He gives great support to the farm stand and enjoys helping out. Being a military spouse has its challenges, but the stand has been a great way to keep me occupied while he is away on missions or his monthly drills.”

While Churro’s has received some criticism for being self-serve, Howard said the love and support from the community have outweighed the negativity.

“My ultimate goal for Churro’s Sweets is to grow and give the community something fun to stop by,” she said. “I would love to be able to do this full time someday. We’re planning to start doing vendor shows as well.”

Churro’s Sweets is mainly open on the weekends, with varying hours of operation.

“The best way to get a hold of us is through our Facebook page, Churro’s Sweets,” Howard said. “We post all updates about new products and when the stand is open there. You can also email us at [email protected] or text us at 712-265-1319.”