A state review has found that a nonprofit organization run by the wife of North Carolina Lt. Gov Mark Robinson, Balanced Nutrition Inc., was “seriously deficient” in its operations. The organization was involved in a federally funded meal program that helped child care providers. The state Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to the nonprofit, giving them two weeks to correct the numerous shortcomings identified in the review or face disqualification from the program. The nonprofit also owes the state $24,400 in unverified expenses that were given to providers. Robinson is the Republican nominee for governor and is running against Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein.
Balanced Nutrition Inc. had already decided to close at the end of April, but state officials had announced that a compliance review of the organization would begin in mid-April. The state Division of Child and Family Well-Being faced difficulties in obtaining documents and meeting with Balanced Nutrition leaders during the review process. The attorney representing the nonprofit, Tyler Brooks, raised concerns about the timing of the review, suggesting that Balanced Nutrition was being targeted because Hill is Robinson’s wife. The findings of the division could lead to program disqualification and repayment to the state, which could be subject to appeal.
The health department that conducted the review is part of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration, who is term-limited and unable to seek re-election. Balanced Nutrition received roughly $7 million in government funding since 2017 and paid out over $830,000 in salaries to Hill, Robinson, and other family members. The organization helped child care centers qualify for the free- and reduced-meal program, filed reimbursement claims for meals, and ensured compliance with program requirements. Robinson described in his memoir how Balanced Nutrition brought financial stability to his family, allowing him to transition from a manufacturing job to a career in conservative politics.
The state’s review of Balanced Nutrition also examined several child care centers and day care home providers who were clients of the nonprofit. The report identified various areas where the nonprofit failed to meet program requirements, such as filing valid reimbursement claims, accurately reporting expenses, maintaining reimbursement records, and determining income eligibility for families. Balanced Nutrition was also found to have filed claims for meals that did not meet program standards and expenses that were not allowed. The review also highlighted the absence of civil rights training and other required training for the organization.
In response to the findings of the state review, Balanced Nutrition Inc. and its owner, Yolanda Hill, have been given a deadline to address the deficiencies identified or potentially face disqualification from the program. The organization is also required to repay the state the $24,400 in unverified expenses. The attorney representing Balanced Nutrition did not respond to inquiries about the division’s findings. The situation raises questions about the oversight of federally funded programs and how such organizations are held accountable for their financial and operational practices. The controversy surrounding Balanced Nutrition and its connections to a prominent political figure like Mark Robinson could impact the upcoming gubernatorial election in North Carolina.
