Staff communications, memos, warnings, or reports related to irregularities in reimbursement claims. The Committee argues that these documents are crucial for understanding how such a massive fraud network was able to operate for so long within Minnesota’s borders.
Rep. Foxx stated: “Minnesota’s executive agencies failed to act decisively despite repeated warning signs. Congress must determine how this occurred and what reforms are necessary to protect federal nutrition programs nationwide.”
A Fraud Operation That Shocked the State
Submitting inflated meal counts. Claiming fictitious sites serving nonexistent children. Using federal funds to purchase luxury cars, international travel, real estate, and personal items. What began as a program designed to ensure children had access to food during lockdowns allegedly turned into a coordinated effort to siphon federal money on an unprecedented scale.
The scandal left Minnesota residents stunned — not only because of the financial magnitude, but because of the humanitarian impact: the program was designed to feed vulnerable children during a national crisis.
Governor Walz Responds — Strong Denials and Acknowledgment of Oversight Failures
Governor Walz addressed the allegations publicly in June 2024, offering a direct response to critics and investigators.
He denied any intentional wrongdoing and insisted that his administration operated under intense pressure at the height of the pandemic, during a period when emergency programs were expanding rapidly.
Walz stated that: MDE staff may not have performed adequate due diligence. The pace and scale of the pandemic created unprecedented operational challenges. His administration acted “in good faith” throughout the emergency period
He rejected claims that state officials knowingly ignored wrongdoing, emphasizing that Minnesota worked closely with federal authorities once concerns were raised.
