Statement on Criminal Charges Against Minnesota-based Federally-funded Children’s Meal Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                               

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Statement on Criminal Charges Against Minnesota-based
Federally-funded Children’s Meal Program

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (September 21, 2022) – The staff at Youthprise is troubled to learn of yesterday’s indictment against 47 individuals in connection with the alleged fraudulent operation of a federally-funded program designed to feed children from low-income families. As an initiative of the organization’s Health & Safety impact area, Youthprise operates its own Nutrition Program, which was established in 2014. Just as Youthprise has done successfully and without incident for the past eight years, our organization will continue to provide nutritious meals to thousands of children each week who depend on the program for nourishment. As this case works its way through the justice system and as many wrestle with the seriousness of these allegations, Youthprise remains hopeful that the organization and others that do this work with integrity will continue to have the support necessary to meet such a critical need in the community.

Learn more about Youthprise’s Nutrition Program at https://bit.ly/3UErJaa.

For more information on how meal programs fill a critical void for children, read this August 18th article from the Sahan Journal. https://bit.ly/3dLgTxY

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ABOUT YOUTHPRISE

Youthprise’s mission is to increase equity with and for Minnesota’s indigenous, low-income, and racially diverse youth. We envision a Minnesota where outcomes are no longer predictable by race, geography, or socioeconomic status. Youthprise innovates systems, structures, and practices that enable youth to thrive by mobilizing and investing resources; advancing knowledge, and advocating for change. For more information visit, youthprise.org

ABOUT THE NUTRITION PROGRAM

Established in 2014, the Youthprise Nutrition Program serves thousands of children throughout Minnesota. Youthprise was initially sought out to initiate a sponsorship role in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which allows small to medium size youth-serving organizations access to free meals for program participants. The Nutrition program has served over 3.5 million meals since its inception. 

Media Contact:

Lynne Matthews

Lynne@youthprise.org