Feeding Our Future: Inside Minnesota's $250 Million Fraud Scheme

In what federal prosecutors have called the largest pandemic-era fraud case in the United States, a Minnesota-based nonprofit called Feeding Our Future allegedly facilitated the theft of more than $250 million from federal child nutrition programs designed to feed low-income children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Child Nutrition Programs

The fraud centered on the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), both administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These programs reimburse organizations for providing free meals to children in low-income areas.

During the pandemic, the USDA relaxed oversight requirements to ensure children could continue receiving meals despite school closures. This created vulnerabilities that were allegedly exploited by Feeding Our Future and its network of sub-sponsors.

How the Scheme Worked

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota, the fraud operated through a multi-layered structure:

Key Figures

The Minnesota Department of Education's Response

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), which oversees the distribution of federal food program funds in the state, faced intense scrutiny over its handling of the case. Internal documents revealed that MDE staff raised concerns about Feeding Our Future as early as 2020.

"The red flags were there. The question is why they weren't acted upon sooner."

MDE attempted to suspend Feeding Our Future's sponsorship in early 2021, but a state court issued a temporary restraining order that allowed the organization to continue operating while the case was reviewed. During this period, prosecutors allege hundreds of millions more in fraudulent claims were submitted.

Federal Investigation & Indictments

The FBI and USDA Office of Inspector General launched a joint investigation in 2021. In September 2022, federal prosecutors unsealed indictments against 48 individuals—the first wave of what would become the largest pandemic fraud prosecution in the country.

Current Status & Trials

As of January 2026, the case remains active with multiple trials completed or underway:

• Multiple convictions have been secured, with sentences ranging from probation to federal prison terms.
• Asset seizures have recovered millions in cash, property, and luxury vehicles.
• Aimee Bock's trial remains one of the most-watched proceedings in Minnesota federal court history.
• Cooperating witnesses have provided testimony implicating additional defendants.

Broader Implications

The Feeding Our Future case has prompted nationwide reforms to pandemic-era relief programs and renewed scrutiny of nonprofit oversight. Congressional hearings have examined how similar fraud could be prevented in future emergencies.

For Minnesota's Somali-American community, which was disproportionately represented among both the accused and the legitimate organizations serving meals, the case has been particularly painful— casting suspicion on genuine charitable work while exposing how trust was allegedly exploited.