by Federal prosecutors confirmed on Friday that agents have executed a new search warrant on New Vision Foundation (NVF), a St. Paul nonprofit implicated in a sprawling fraud scheme tied to the Feeding Our Future scandal. This investigation, which also touches other states like Wyoming, exposes how millions of federal dollars intended for child nutrition programs were allegedly stolen.
According to NVF’s website, the nonprofit’s mission is to “create pathways to success by motivating disadvantaged youth in Minnesota through coding and digital literacy classes.” However, court documents paint a different picture: NVF and its owner allegedly ventured into a fake meal distribution business during the COVID-19 pandemic, submitting fraudulent claims to Feeding Our Future, which then funneled reimbursements back to NVF.
A detailed 44-page affidavit from Special Agent Travis Wilmer, unsealed Thursday by a federal judge, reveals receipts, invoices, and false meal claims submitted by NVF. The documents show that NVF claimed to serve over 3,000 meals daily, six days a week, at its St. Paul location and an additional 1,800 meals daily in Waite Park, Minnesota. Yet, neighboring business owners reported rarely seeing children at either location. One St. Paul business owner even mentioned that children would be unlikely to be present there since the area employs former convicts.
Despite repeated calls and emails, NVF and its owner did not respond for comment.
This search is part of a larger investigation that has already charged 70 people in a $250 million fraud scheme. In March, Feeding Our Future founder Aimee Bock and co-defendant Salim Said were found guilty of conspiring to steal tens of millions of dollars meant to feed hungry children. The jury convicted them on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and federal programs bribery.
Bock and Said are among dozens charged; roughly 30 have pleaded guilty, and five others have been convicted.
The investigation has also uncovered disturbing attempts at jury tampering. Earlier this year, documents revealed that defendant Ladan Ali flew in from Seattle in May 2024 and followed a juror home after closing arguments. Two days later, Ali allegedly handed a bag containing $120,000 to a relative of the juror, promising more money if the juror voted to acquit all defendants.
While the heart of this scandal remains rooted in Minnesota, its wide-reaching effects have captured the attention of authorities in states such as Wyoming, highlighting the nationwide impact of this massive fraud.
