(ST. PAUL, MN) – Today, Senators Roger Chamberlain, Mark Koran, Mary Kiffmeyer, and Michelle Benson sent letters requesting audits of the Feeding Our Future grants that have since led to a federal investigation into the charity’s leaders.   

“It’s simply outrageous that nearly $200 million of money provided to feed children in need was abused in this way,” Chamberlain said. “With resources precious, it’s imperative government agencies ensure every dollar is going to programs with robust track records so we can know not a single dime is wasted.” 

The first letter was to the Office of the Legislative Auditor to examine the state’s administration of key federal food aid programs. The Senators requested the Office of the Legislative Auditor review the Minnesota Department of Education’s management of the federal funds in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Children and Adult Care Food program as well as the Summer Food Service Program. 

“This request to the OLA is crucial to support the Department efforts to unwind and detail the immense amount of federal money that flowed through the state and whether procedures were in place to protect taxpayers from fraud,” Koran said. 

The second letter asks the Department of Management and Budget to provide a detailed accounting of funding provided by the federal government that may be used to audit COVID-19 expenditures. It also requests MMB identify any federal funds that may be used by the legislature to conduct additional audits. The state received billions of dollars in federal aid and much of it was given to non-profit entities to meet the needs of those struggling with the impact of the pandemic. 

“Sadly, this instance of fraudulent grant use is unlikely to be the last case we uncover as we look back at the billions of dollars the state distributed for COVID relief. We need a full accounting of all dollars. Identifying the means and resources available for this audit is an important step to both preventing fraudulent spending and   recovering misspent funds,” Kiffmeyer said.

“There was a true need out there in the last year to help people. It’s simply unconscionable – individuals and groups stole money meant to feed hungry children to buy luxury sports cars and pay for vacations. I am determined to see justice for those who have been wronged and demand accountability for taxpayers whose money was stolen and abused,” Benson said.