Aimee Bock, the founder of the Minnesota nonprofit Feeding Our Future, has alleged that Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was aware of aspects of a large-scale COVID-era fraud scheme that ultimately defrauded taxpayers of approximately $250 million. Bock, who was convicted in 2025 on federal charges including conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud, made these claims in a recent jailhouse interview with the New York Post while awaiting her sentencing. Federal prosecutors have identified this case as the largest COVID-era fraud scheme in Minnesota history, involving the misuse of federal child nutrition funds during the pandemic.
"I struggle to believe that she wouldn’t have known" — Aimee Bock, Convicted Founder of Feeding Our Future
Despite her conviction, Bock has consistently maintained her innocence, asserting that she did not knowingly participate in fraudulent activities and had previously attempted to alert state officials to irregularities within the program. During her interview, discussing her interactions with Congresswoman Omar's office, Bock stated, "I struggle to believe that she wouldn’t have known." She further claimed that staff at Feeding Our Future engaged in repeated communications with Omar's congressional office concerning federal waivers related to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) child nutrition programs.
Court exhibits presented during Bock's trial reportedly showed Omar's name appearing multiple times in emails and text messages connected to Feeding Our Future and its affiliated meal site operators. One email chain, dated February 5, 2021, was reportedly titled "help with USDA food program," and another communication referenced "Ilhan’s Office." Investigators also recovered a text message exchange between Bock and Omar during a raid on Bock's residence; however, the contents of these messages remain sealed by the court. It is important to note that there has been no indication that Omar has been charged with any wrongdoing or formally accused by federal prosecutors of participating in the fraud scheme.
Bock additionally alleged that Representative Omar supported the continuation of federal waiver policies which reduced oversight requirements for pandemic meal distribution programs. According to Bock, some federal waivers temporarily expired during the pandemic before being renewed, leading to what she described as operational "gaps" within the program. In March 2020, Omar sponsored the MEALS Act, legislation that authorized the USDA to issue emergency waivers. These waivers relaxed inspection requirements and expanded eligibility for meal distribution providers during the pandemic. Critics later contended that this reduction in oversight created vulnerabilities, allowing fraudulent reimbursement claims and the proliferation of fake meal sites across Minnesota. Conversely, supporters of these emergency policies argued that the waivers were essential for the rapid distribution of food assistance to low-income families during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.
Bock also referenced Safari Restaurant, a significant participant in the Feeding Our Future program. In May 2020, Representative Omar filmed a promotional video at the Minneapolis restaurant, commending its efforts to provide thousands of meals daily to families and children during the pandemic. Safari Restaurant co-owner Salim Said was subsequently convicted of defrauding the government of approximately $16 million, marking the single largest amount connected to the overall case.
Federal prosecutors have stated that dozens of individuals submitted claims for meals that were either grossly inflated or never actually served to children. Authorities further alleged that money from the program was diverted into luxury purchases, various businesses, and personal enrichment schemes, rather than being used for legitimate food distribution. The extensive investigation into the Feeding Our Future scheme has resulted in charges against more than 80 individuals, many of whom are connected to Minnesota’s Somali community, a substantial demographic within Omar's congressional district.
