Minnesota Feeding Our Future Scheme Uncovered As $250 Million Pandemic-Era Fraud
The Feeding Our Future scheme in Minnesota has been identified as a $250 million fraud linked to the USDA child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. It stands as one of the largest pandemic-era frauds in U.S. history, with at least 77 individuals indicted.
Funds were misappropriated through fake invoices, falsified attendance records, and hundreds of fabricated food-distribution sites across Minnesota. The scheme exploited USDA waivers implemented during the pandemic that relaxed participation requirements for non-school-based distributors.
Assets linked to the fraudulent activity include cash, gold jewelry, four vehicles including a Tesla and a Porsche, and a $1.1 million property in Prior Lake. Approximately $60 million of the stolen funds have been recovered, which is less than half of the total amount.
One defendant received a 10-year prison sentence and was ordered to pay $48 million in restitution, with other convictions also requiring substantial restitution. FBI Director Kash Patel described the case as one of the worst in Minnesota's history.
Republican lawmakers have renewed investigations into the case and are advocating for a Treasury Department probe to recover additional funds.
