According to documents released on Wednesday, a review by the N.C. Department of Health and Services found that a nonprofit organization led by Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s wife was “seriously deficient.” The agency discovered a lengthy list of necessary documents missing to run a federally funded food program for childcare centers. Moreover, claims were submitted for payment for centers that had not requested or received any money.
Balanced Nutrition, a nonprofit led by Yolanda Hill, has been helping childcare facilities obtain federal funding for kids’ meals. Hill’s husband, Mark Robinson, and their children have also worked for the Greensboro-based organization. In his book, Robinson credited Hill’s success with the nonprofit for enabling him to leave his job and pursue a career in politics. However, in April, Hill unexpectedly shut down Balanced Nutrition after the state agency initiated an investigation.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that despite several requests from DHHS officials over the past month, Hill and her lawyer did not attend meetings regarding the ongoing investigation. Moreover, they neglected to furnish the agency with a comprehensive list of documents that were requested.
According to the report, Balanced Nutrition, Inc. failed to maintain all the necessary records to substantiate its reimbursement claim for a period of three years. The nonprofit organization submitted claims for reimbursement for the Gingerbread Learning Center, a childcare center, on eight separate occasions in 2023 and early 2024. However, it was discovered that the facility did not file any claims through Balanced Nutrition.
According to the report, Ms. Hill verified with the compliance team that there hasn’t been any claim filed by Gingerbread Learning Center since November 2022.
According to DHHS, nine of the facilities that Balanced Nutrition was collaborating with failed to submit valid claims.
According to the review, Balanced Nutrition failed to keep up with the necessary enrollment documentation for the childcare facilities it was associated with, including documentation related to mandatory trainings, eligibility for free and reduced lunches, and the meals served at the centers. The report noted that several of the findings were categorized as “repeat findings.”
Balanced Nutrition is mandated to conduct on-site visits to childcare centers to ensure that the food funding is being utilized appropriately. However, it has been discovered that the organization did not effectively monitor the facilities under its sponsorship.
Balanced Nutrition’s past financial records indicate that Mark Robinson worked for the nonprofit as a monitor before his candidacy for lieutenant governor.
According to DHHS, Balanced Nutrition violated regulations by hiring family members, including Kimberly Cephas, daughter of the Robinsons, without obtaining prior permission.
According to the report, Balanced Nutrition, Inc. inaccurately reported expenses and claimed unallowable expenses for four of its centers.
The nonprofit has been given a two-week ultimatum by DHHS via letters to make necessary corrections. Failure to do so will result in Hill and her staff being barred from participating in any future childcare center food programs.
On Wednesday, there was no immediate comment from Hill and her attorney. However, back in March, Hill had expressed her dissatisfaction with the actions taken by DHHS during the review process.
Upon being informed of the April review, Hill expressed her concern and suspicion, stating that there have been various incidents and records that give the impression of a personal or political vendetta being directed towards their organization. “As an organization,” she wrote on March 11, “there are numerous things that have happened and been documented that makes us feel as if we are the target of some type of vendetta.”
