A recent review from the Office of the Legislative Auditor found that the Minnesota Department of Education’s oversight of Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit at the center of a $250 million fraud scheme during the pandemic, was inadequate and created opportunities for fraud. The report detailed failures by the department to act on warning signs about the nonprofit and highlighted a lack of preparation to hold Feeding Our Future accountable.
Federal authorities have deemed this case as the largest pandemic fraud in the United States, with funds from federal nutrition programs being misused for luxury items instead of feeding low-income children. The Minnesota Department of Education’s oversight of Feeding Our Future was found to be lacking, with numerous complaints not being properly investigated. The department disputed some of the claims made in the report, citing complications due to the pandemic and a lack of guidance from federal authorities.
The report recommended that the department take additional steps to verify information, conduct follow-up reviews, and revise its complaint investigation procedures. Republicans in the legislature criticized the department and called for accountability from Governor Walz and his appointed commissioners. The review comes on the heels of the conviction of five individuals for stealing more than $40 million in connection to the scheme, with 70 people facing charges in total. The founder of Feeding Our Future maintains her innocence, while a juror was dismissed during deliberations after reporting a bribe. Federal agents have since raided homes in search of those involved in the bribery attempt.
Source
Photo credit www.cbsnews.com
