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 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.
Volunteer tourism and the commodification of children
The 2nd Milk case highlights the harmful impact of volunteer tourism, a driving force behind orphanage trafficking. Organizations like 2nd Milk often frame themselves as saviors of vulnerable children, appealing to the altruism of volunteers and donors. However, this business model incentivizes the institutionalization of children, separating them from families and creating a supply chain to meet the demand for “orphan experiences.”
Many children in orphanages are not orphans at all but are separated from their families under false pretenses. These children are then used to attract donations and volunteers, perpetuating their exploitation. Volunteers, though well-meaning, often unknowingly sustain this cycle. Their presence and financial contributions legitimize these institutions and reinforce the commodification of children.
The indictment of the Carneys serves as a cautionary tale for donors and volunteers. To combat orphanage trafficking, it is vital to scrutinize nonprofits and their claims. Supporting organizations that prioritize family-based care over institutional care is a crucial step in dismantling this harmful system.
Take action!
As Freedom United advocates, the commodification of children must end. Volunteer tourism and deceptive nonprofits like 2nd Milk are part of a broader problem that sustains exploitation under the guise of charity. Raising awareness, holding bad actors accountable, and championing ethical alternatives can ensure children’s rights are prioritized over profits.
Join us in demanding that the business of orphanage trafficking be dismantled so that we can create a future where no child is exploited for profit.
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