Minnesota Nonprofit Leader Convicted in $240 Million Pandemic Relief Fraud Scheme

Aimee Bock, the head of the Minnesota-based nonprofit Feeding Our Future, has been convicted of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme that misappropriated $240 million in government pandemic relief funds intended for feeding children.

This scheme represents the largest fraud against the federal COVID-19 relief programs to date, according to the New York Times.

In March 2025, a jury found Bock guilty of seven charges, including wire fraud and bribery. She was accused of creating fictitious food kitchens and falsely billing the government for 91 million meals. Initially charged in 2022, the case involved nearly 70 co-conspirators.

Prosecutor Joe Thompson described Bock’s actions as “brazen” and a significant embarrassment for Minnesota. “This is a monumental fraud that’s being perpetrated on our state,” Thompson stated. He emphasized the case as a turning point to hopefully close a disgraceful chapter in Minnesota’s history.

Salim Said, another major defendant, managed one of the fraudulent kitchens and was found guilty on multiple counts, including wire fraud, bribery, and money laundering.

The federal government, under the impression that the funds would provide meals for children out of school during the pandemic, disbursed money to various nonprofits, including Feeding Our Future. These nonprofits, acting as sponsors, were supposed to ensure the money was used appropriately to feed children.

However, suspicions about Bock’s operations arose in 2020, prompting the state to halt payments.

In response, Bock sued the state, claiming discrimination against her predominantly African immigrant network, which triggered a federal investigation and subsequent raids in early 2022.

Investigators found that Bock had helped establish 250 non-existent feeding sites across Minnesota, using her nonprofit’s oversight role to conceal the fraudulent activities. She personally benefited from $18 million, funds she spent on luxury items, real estate, and travel.

The aftermath of the verdict has seen over 40 individuals convicted or pleading guilty. Governor Tim Walz praised the collaborative efforts of prosecutors, the Department of Education, the USDA, and the FBI for their thorough investigation and expressed his outrage over the exploitation of a system meant to support children.

Judge Nancy Brasel has ordered both Bock and Said to remain in custody pending sentencing, with potential prison terms exceeding ten years, signaling a robust judicial response to one of the most significant fraud cases in recent U.S. history.