The Texas Department of Agriculture filed a lawsuit on Aug. 6 in Travis County State District Court seeking $787,872.77 in repayment, interest, attorney fees and court costs from Fort Worth City Councilman Chris Nettles and his nonprofit, Purpose Driven Ministries. The state alleges the organization incurred “disallowed expenses” while operating a school lunch program.
Background of the program
Purpose Driven Ministries, founded by Councilman Nettles in 2010, describes itself as a faith‑based ministry that provides after‑school care, tutoring and meals to children in the Everman Independent School District. According to the nonprofit’s website, it once served meals at eight schools, seven apartment complexes and one church, cooking over 1,800 meals daily.
From 2018 through the 2022‑23 school year the program was offered free of charge. Beginning in the 2023‑24 school year the ministry began charging parents directly, with weekly rates ranging from $25 to $50. Today the program serves 57 students, a far smaller number than the previously cited figure of roughly 800 children.
State’s allegations
The lawsuit states that Purpose Driven Ministries became delinquent in filing required supporting documents for state audits. After an administrative review upheld the department’s determination, the Texas Department of Agriculture terminated its permanent agreement with the nonprofit and disqualified Nettles and two other staff members from future participation in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program.
The state seeks a return of the disputed expenses plus interest, attorney fees and investigative costs. An exhibit filed with the suit confirms the department had already terminated the nonprofit’s contract prior to filing the lawsuit.
Response from Councilman Nettles and the nonprofit
When contacted, Councilman Nettles said he had seen social‑media coverage of the suit but declined to discuss details, stating, “I haven’t been privy to what this lawsuit is about.” He added that he does not want to disseminate inaccurate information.
Purpose Driven Ministries’ application to the state indicated it was seeking to serve food in child‑care centers. The organization’s spokesperson for Everman ISD, Nikita Russell, confirmed the district provides building space for the program but does not collect fees or oversee operations. Russell clarified that the claim of 800 children served is incorrect and does not reflect the current enrollment.
Local implications
This lawsuit highlights the importance of transparency and proper accounting for any nonprofit that receives state funds, especially when a sitting city council member is involved. Residents and parents who rely on after‑school programs are urged to monitor how such programs are funded and administered.
Fort Worth City Council has not yet issued a formal statement on the matter. The council’s public‑information office declined to comment pending further details.
What’s next?
The case will proceed through the state court system, where the Department of Agriculture will present its evidence of alleged disallowed expenses. If the court rules in favor of the state, the nonprofit and Councilman Nettles could be required to repay the nearly $788,000 plus additional costs.
Stakeholders, including parents, local faith communities and city officials, are watching closely as the outcome may set a precedent for how state‑funded nutrition programs are managed and audited in Texas.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
