On My Honor

Early on a hot, summer Monday morning, a string of cars line Nebraska Street in Clearwater. They slip out of their vehicles and trek across a driveway to a mint-green stand, complete with crock pots, mini fridge and drop box. The sign in front of it says it all: Self serve stand open.

Welcome to Rollin' Farm Stand, the brainchild of Haily Schlecht. It's a little bit produce stand, a little bit grab-and-go food source. No matter how it's labeled, it's filling Clearwater residents' stomachs with hot breakfast options, ooey-gooey cookies and aromatic sour dough bread.

Schlecht said the inspiration for her family's stand came after visiting a similar spot in Atkinson.

"She has these famous pickled Brussel sprouts," Schlecht said.

Her stops at the stand got her thinking about fresh food options in Clearwater, especially in the morning.

"We need something like that. Homemade stuff is what people want. There's no cafe anymore," she said. "Clearwater's good about supporting people, so I feel like I'll be okay."

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the stand opens at 6:30 a.m. and operates until everything is gone. Visitors to Rollin' Farm Stand will find a breakfast option. Since opening, Schlecht has served burritos, breakfast sandwiches and sausage and cheese quesadillas.

Schlechts daughter, Alaina, assists with baking.

"Baked goods are hit or miss (right now), but there will always be breakfast," Schlecht said.

Sour dough bread will be an option during fall and winter months.The process is time consuming, taking two days to make a single loaf.

Schlecht does keep the starter active and uses the discard for cookies and other baked goods.

Payment at the farm stand is based on the honor system. A drop box is attached to the inside of the stand, for people to slip in the cash. So far, Schlecht hasn't noticed any theft from the stand.

"Honestly, I've been kind of surprised ... We haven't had anybody take or steal. It's worked really good," she said.

A security camera is attached to the house, so the Schlechts can see when people add money to the dropbox.

She also accepts Venmo.

"A lot of people don't carry cash," she said.

Rollin' Farm Stand will be open extended hours during this weekend's Clearwater Rodeo. Schlecht plans to offer meaty nachos, pulled-pork sandwiches, breakfast burritos, cookies, smoked Chex mix and additional snack-type items.

Baked goods may be a Sunday morning option.

"If we have anything left over, I'll open for lunch, too, on Sunday," Schlecht said.

As summer progresses, Schlecht plans to add fresh produce, jams, jellies and salsa. Refrigerator pickles are another possible option.

"There will be more fresh produce as my garden progresses," she said.

Pricing will be by the piece.

Prior to opening, Schlecht completed training for a food handler's license through Nebraska Extension and a food cottage law course, a requirement of Nebraska's cottage food law, established in LB 304. The stand is registered with Nebraska's Department of Agriculture.

After nearly two months of operation, Schlecht said she believes she made a good choice by opening the stand.

"Everybody said I was crazy doing it, but I enjoy cooking. I like cooking. It's fun," she said.