Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Friday announced a statewide fraud prevention program in response to a major public funds scandal involving the non-profit Feeding Our Future.
The program follows investigations into Feeding Our Future, which prosecutors say diverted roughly $250 million in federal funds meant to provide meals for children in low-income communities.
Dozens of people have been indicted on charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery, with several already convicted.
Gov. Walz’s administration faced scrutiny over how the fraud went undetected, prompting calls for stronger monitoring. The new program will involve multiple state agencies that handle grants, contracts, and federal pass-through funds.
State lawmakers have held hearings on the Feeding Our Future case and continue discussing potential statutory changes to grant-making processes, audit authority, and fraud reporting requirements.
Federal authorities, including the Department of Justice and inspectors general, remain involved in ongoing prosecutions and audits, and their findings have shaped Minnesota’s new approach to program integrity.
