Ellison Addresses Controversy Surrounding Feeding Our Future Meeting

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — In a captivating and highly scrutinized session that unfolded on Monday, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stood before lawmakers to elucidate his prior meeting with individuals later implicated in the notorious $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme. This meeting has sparked considerable debate and concern, particularly regarding the appropriateness of Ellison’s engagement with these parties as accusations of misconduct began to swirl.

The meeting, which was secretly recorded and subsequently released by a conservative think tank, took place in December 2021—a mere month before federal investigators conducted a raid on the Feeding Our Future offices. Echoes of frustration resonated in Ellison’s voice as he addressed the contentious relationship between state agencies and East African vendors during this recorded session. “This has my attention,” he stated emphatically. “Governor Walz agrees with me that this piddly, stupid stuff running small people out of business is terrible.”

His appearance before the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee was not merely an exercise in transparency; it was a critical moment for Ellison as he faced Republican lawmakers who questioned his judgment. How could he engage with individuals under the shadow of suspicion while also representing the Minnesota Department of Education in litigation against Feeding Our Future? It was a poignant question, one that would require careful navigation.

“I did nothing for these people,” Ellison asserted, an air of conviction in his tone. “After the meeting, I consulted with my staff and realized these individuals were bad actors. I accepted no campaign contributions and provided no support.” His claim that he was unaware of ongoing FBI investigations into the organization since May 2021 painted a picture of a man seemingly caught in a web of unforeseen circumstances. He insisted that he believed he was merely conducting a standard constituent meeting—a routine exercise in the life of a public servant.

“It’s simply not how large agencies operate,” he explained, shedding light on the complexities inherent to his role. “I oversee more than 400 lawyers. I don’t track every file.” This perspective serves as a reminder that the wheels of bureaucracy often turn slowly, and the broader mission can sometimes obscure individual cases from the spotlight.

Committee Chair Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) described the hearing as vital in uncovering the depth of Ellison’s involvement and understanding the manner in which his office handled the Feeding Our Future case. “There are still unanswered questions about when the Attorney General knew what and whether he defended state agencies aggressively enough,” Robbins articulated, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to accountability.

While the meeting’s context unfolded, several attendees in the recording offered their assistance for Ellison’s reelection campaign. This added another layer of complexity to the situation. Ellison firmly dismissed any notion of impropriety on his part, stating, “Not from anyone in that meeting. I returned a donation once I found out it was connected to someone in the case.” This exchange raises a thought-provoking question: how can public figures maintain trust in the face of such entanglements?

The scale of justice’s reach became vividly clear when one considers the aftermath of the Feeding Our Future investigation. Federal prosecutors have charged a staggering 70 individuals linked to what has become one of the largest COVID-era fraud investigations in the United States. The program was initially intended to provide meal programs for low-income children during the pandemic but, tragically, became a foundation for exploitation. Authorities allege that false documentation was submitted to claim reimbursements, which were then misappropriated for luxury items and extravagant experiences. Astonishingly, over 35 defendants have already pleaded guilty, with several receiving lengthy prison sentences.

Among those convicted are Aimee Bock, the founder of Feeding Our Future, and Salim Said, co-owner of Safari Restaurant, both found guilty of all counts in March 2025 following a five-week trial. Prosecutors painted a picture of Bock as the orchestrator of a scheme that siphoned millions meant to nourish vulnerable children. This distressing narrative compels one to reflect: how can we prevent such misallocation of essential resources in the future?

Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Emma Greenman (DFL-Minneapolis), have pushed back against the framing of the investigation as a political stunt. “We should be focused on how to protect public funds, not political gotcha moments,” she insisted, deftly highlighting the importance of prioritizing integrity over partisanship in discussions about public welfare.

As Ellison wrapped up his testimony, a call for action echoed in his remarks. “If we can leave politics aside and focus on safeguarding taxpayer dollars, you’ll find a partner in me,” he said. His words resonated as a reminder that in a world fraught with division, cooperation in preservation of integrity can serve as a bridge to shared goals.