The indictment of Jason and Lacey Carney, founders of 2nd Milk, has ignited concerns about the accountability and transparency of child-focused nonprofits. The Springdale-based organization, in the U.S. state of Arkansas, claimed to serve orphaned and vulnerable children in Malawi, yet federal prosecutors allege that funds meant for life-saving programs were misused for personal expenses. This case is emblematic of a broader issue: orphanage trafficking, where unscrupulous actors take advantage of the goodwill of donors and volunteers, perpetuating the commodification of children.

The 2nd Milk scandal

According to THV11, the federal indictment alleges that the Carneys misappropriated millions of dollars donated to 2nd Milk between 2016 and 2022. While the nonprofit promised to feed thousands of children daily and implement infrastructure projects like chicken houses and freshwater wells, prosecutors claim much of the money was diverted to fund the Carneys’ personal lifestyles, including cosmetic medical procedures and vacations.

Nellya Canfield, a Tennessee woman who had donated and traveled to Malawi with 2nd Milk. She and her husband began contributing $400 monthly to the nonprofit in 2021 as part of their efforts to adopt a child from Malawi. However, inconsistencies began to surface on a trip with the Carneys in 2022.

“We actually did not see any chicken houses, or any structures for pigs, or any kind of business like that. They were saying they’re feeding thousands of children, but when we started asking more questions—specifically how many children are actually in the program—we were getting different answers.”

Court documents revealed an internal exchange where Jason Carney falsely claimed 2nd Milk was “feeding over 850 babies daily,” despite records showing only 56 children in the program.

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