WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06), along with Ranking Members Foxx, Thompson, and Comer in a letter sent today to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) demanding stronger oversight into meal programs administered by the Food & Nutrition Service.

The Department of Justice filed charges last week against 49 individuals for unlawfully using $250 million in pandemic-era relief funds fraudulently claimed by Feeding Our Future, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that was a sponsor participating in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. In light of these charges, Congressman Finstad joined his colleagues in asking the USDA to tighten oversight of these programs to prevent future fraud and abuse.

“As a father, I find it reprehensible that taxpayer money intended for feeding the hungry, especially children and seniors, was deliberately misused at the expense of needy families right in our home state,” said Congressman Finstad. “We must investigate further the extent of this shameful fraud scheme and ensure strong oversight of all meal programs administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. These programs are intended to help meet the needs of the food-insecure throughout our communities and in order to ensure the success of these programs, we must hold those responsible for this widespread fraud accountable.”

House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY) said, “The Biden Administration must account for how it failed to protect taxpayer dollars intended to feed children during the pandemic from massive fraud. These fraudsters stole hundreds of millions from American taxpayers to fund their lavish lifestyles instead of providing meals for children in need. Americans deserve answers and accountability for this exploitation and gross mismanagement of taxpayer dollars.”  

“There is far too much fraud and mismanagement going on in our federal agencies. The taxpayers deserve better. Republicans must stand in the gap between these federal programs, intent on throwing millions of dollars down the drain, and the taxpayers struggling to pay their bills. When programs do not work as intended—there must be accountability. We cannot tolerate any more blame shirking from this administration, the buck stops here. We demand accountability for this massive waste,” said Education and Labor Committee Republican Leader Virginia Foxx (R-NC).

“The allegations against Feeding Our Future are sickening and it is imperative we receive more information from USDA. I was eager to join the Minnesota delegation in demanding answers," said Glenn “GT” Thompson, Republican Leader of the House Committee on Agriculture (R-PA). 

“Last week’s revelations make disturbing allegations of the integrity of programs meant to feed the hungry,” said Congresswoman Fischbach (MN-07). “It is critical that Congress conduct extensive oversight and ensure proper safeguards are in place to protect taxpayer funds from future fraud and abuse. Today’s letter is an important step in bringing to light any potential points of exploitation in USDA meals programs.”

“Fraud on this level is proof that exploitation is the norm for large-scale government spending, not the exception. Feeding Our Future stole from the pockets of every American taxpayer. We deserve answers and accountability," said Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06).

“I am disgusted by the news of the rampant fraud and abuse regarding Feeding Our Future,” said Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08). “Congress, Minnesotans and American taxpayers need clear answers now about the largest case of fraud in the nation with what was supposed to be COVID relief funding. This is a disgrace to our state and taxpayers deserve accountability.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.