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Local farm offers free childcare, meals to families affected by COVID-19

Posted at 4:37 PM, Mar 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-16 01:45:20-04

GILBERT, AZ — While some local businesses are closing, Mother Nature's Farm in Gilbert is taking a different approach. They're repurposing the farm's 47 acres to offer free childcare to families affected by COVID-19 closures.

Mother Nature says ten of the farm's acres are usually used for activities.

"In that ten acres if everybody stood in a circle, Stood 6 feet apart, 12 feet between each person. Over 6000 people could stand out here all day long and never be within six feet of each other,” explains Mother Nature Farm's owner Wade Kelsall.

The farm plans to take in 20 kids from kindergartners to fifth graders via email sign-ups. Kids that would otherwise be left home alone or in other smaller public places.

"Why not come here where you're not out. You're going to be watched by an adult outdoors in the sun with fresh air. Lots of room to run around,” says Caroline Kelsall.

The Kelsall's also emphasize they'll be disinfecting all surfaces and following CDC guidelines.

Mother Nature is not the only business doing things to help.

Sonic will be providing lunch all week long. Others donated toys, money and more.

Still, the farm hopes to inspire other local businesses to open their doors to families in need.

If you're interested in signing up, email caroline@mothernaturesfarm.com.