The MEALS Act returned to the spotlight this week as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) rejected any regret for backing the pandemic-era bill now linked to Minnesota’s massive Feeding Our Future fraud probe. Asked whether the MEALS Act helped enable abuse, Omar responded bluntly on Capitol Hill: “Absolutely not, it did help feed kids.”
Omar introduced the MEALS Act on March 11, 2020, to loosen U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements for school meal programs during COVID-19 closures. Those waivers opened access to federal funds later exploited in what authorities describe as the largest pandemic fraud in Minnesota history—an alleged $250 million scheme built on fabricated vendors, fake invoices, and inflated meal counts.
Federal prosecutors say conspirators falsely claimed to have served millions of meals while diverting funds for personal gain. FBI Director Kash Patel called it “one of the worst” cases in state history, with more than 75 individuals charged as of November 2025. FBI officials say the investigation remains active and additional charges are expected.
“Stealing from the federal government equates to stealing from the American people — there is no simpler truth,” said FBI special agent in charge Alvin Winston. Patel added that the fraud represented “a profound betrayal of public trust,” alleging funds went to “luxury homes, high-end vehicles and extravagant lifestyles.”
President Donald Trump has ordered expanded probes, labeling Minnesota a “hub of money laundering activity,” and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a review into alleged diversion of taxpayer dollars to al-Shabaab. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pushed back, saying, “This is what he does to change the subject.”
Omar also disputed ICE Director Todd Lyons after he denied her claim that agents stopped her son. Lyons said ICE has “absolutely zero record” of such an incident, calling the accusation a “ridiculous effort” to demonize law enforcement. Omar countered that enforcement actions have “terrorized my community.”
