Oklahoma State Superintendent Lindel Fields is calling for a state investigation into Feed the Kids Inc., alleging the organization engaged in serious misconduct tied to a federally funded child nutrition program and misused public funds intended to serve vulnerable children across Oklahoma.
The allegations are aimed at Feed the Kids Inc., which is headquartered in McAlester, but there has been no public accusation against the city government, McAlester schools, or other local entities connected to the organization.
In a letter dated May 7 addressed to Gov. Kevin Stitt, Attorney General Gentner Drummond and State Auditor Cindy Byrd, Fields outlined what he described as systemic fraudulent and deceptive practices involving Governor Stitt, Attorney General Drummond, and Auditor Byrd.
LETTER:
“As State Superintendent of Public Instruction, it is incumbent upon me to uphold public trust and ensure that the resources allocated for the welfare of Oklahoma’s children are managed with the utmost integrity. It is the solemn duty of all state officers to safeguard the responsible use of taxpayer dollars and maintain the confidence of the citizens we serve.
I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a number of serious concerns regarding Feed the Kids, Inc., an Oklahoma-based company participating in the Child and Adult Food Care Program, and specifically the portion of the CACFP that encompasses the “At-risk Afterschool Meal Program.” Recent information has come to light indicating what I believe to be systemic fraudulent and deceptive practices by this organization, and which undermine both the purpose of the program and the public’s confidence in its administration.
My concerns regarding Feed the Kids, Inc. are deeply troubling. Evidence suggests that the company has engaged in fraudulently inflating both operating costs and reported meal numbers in order to secure excessive reimbursement from federal funds. Furthermore, it appears that misrepresentations were made on their program application, and that false declarations and pleadings were submitted in both federal and state courts. Of particular concern was the movement of millions of dollars from Feed the Kids’ reported projected revenue, which, at the time of its sponsorship renewal application, reflected dollar amounts as being available for the company’s operation. Moving these funds had the effect of changing Feed the Kids’ available funding to zero, ostensibly to support its federal and state court declarations and pleadings.
It is my firm belief that Feed the Kids’ actions represent not only a misuse of public funds but also a betrayal of the vulnerable populations these programs are designed to serve. The scope and nature of these allegations demand a thorough and immediate investigation, and I respectfully urge your offices to take all appropriate steps to examine these matters and pursue any necessary actions to ensure accountability.
Transparency and accountability must remain at the forefront of our collective efforts to serve the people of Oklahoma. The Department of Education has already taken active steps towards terminating the existing relationship with Feed the Kids, per the guidance and with the support of the United States Department of Agriculture. Further, our team is working with school districts so that they may work directly with the Department, thereby ensuring that no services will be interrupted. I am committed to full cooperation with any investigation or audit your offices may undertake and stand ready to provide any requested information or assistance.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and for your continued dedication to the principles of ethical governance and public stewardship.”
State officials have not publicly announced whether a formal investigation has been launched. The Oklahoma State Department of Education said it is working with school districts and federal officials to ensure meal services continue uninterrupted as it moves to end its relationship with Feed the Kids Inc.