On Monday, March 13, U.S. Attorney Andy Luger announced 10 additional indictments in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme. One of the defendants is Kawsar Jama, 41, of Eagan, who–between September 2020 through February 2022–fraudulently claimed to serve an estimated 1.46 million meals to needy children at sites in Pelican Rapids, Burnsville and Minneapolis. Jama is alleged to have submitted $3.7 million in fraudulent claims for Federal Child Nutrition Program funds, some of which she spent on living expenses, real estate and luxury vehicles.

Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) released the following statement:

To learn that someone would take advantage of our community for their own financial gain is appalling. The people of Pelican Rapids are honest and hardworking, come from many backgrounds, and genuinely want to help one another. A simple internet search from the Minnesota Department of Education could have raised flags that it’s impossible for a town of about 2,500 to claim to serve 2,560 daily meals to children. It’s extremely disappointing that government agencies let this massive fraud slip through. I am calling for additional hearings in the Minnesota Senate so every senator can learn what happened and how we can make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Luger did not provide an additional dollar amount on the new indictments but indicated it was now more than $250 million from 60 individuals. He also suggested there could be more indictments in the future.