Source: NC Newsline
Documents obtained by NC Newsline and The News & Observer reveal issues surrounding a nonprofit operated by Yolanda Hill, the wife of Republican gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
Founded in 2015, Balanced Nutrition Inc. helps childcare providers apply for and receive federal funding for kids’ meals under the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, which is funded with a contract under NCDHHS, NC Newsline reports.
According to a 2023 review by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services obtained by NC Newsline, Balanced Nutrition Inc, run by Hill, failed to identify violations from some childcare centers it was responsible for monitoring.
In the review, NCDHHS cited Balanced Nutrition for discrepancies in its figures, with some centers working with the nonprofit reported serving more subsidized meals than were provided to participants.
An investigation by NC Newsline revealed that multiple violations stemmed from a childcare center in Raleigh. According to the report, NCDHHS made an unannounced visit to the Learning As We Go Child Care Center after allegations surfaced that children were being cared for in an unlicensed space.
The audit substantiated these allegations along with other violations, including inadequate supervision.
In an interview with WRAL, Hill stated that her organization has been subjected to unwarranted scrutiny by DHHS due to its connection to her husband, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
However, this is not the first time Hill’s nonprofit has been cited by the NCDHHS. According to NC Newsline, Balanced Nutrition has undergone three audits: in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
In the past few months, Hill’s organization has undergone a review by the NCDHHS to make sure it remained in compliance with federal standards. At a meeting last month at the offices of Balanced Nutrition, Hill failed to provide all the documents DHHS requested, according to The News & Observer.
The next compliance review meeting for Balanced Nutrition is on May 6.
