Hearthside Food Solutions Illinois Child Labor Class Action Settlement — Claim Deadline November 20, 2026

Hearthside Food Solutions Illinois child labor class action settlement
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Hearthside Food Solutions Illinois Child Labor Settlement

Hearthside Food Solutions LLC, a major food contract manufacturer, has agreed to a $4.5 million class action settlement following an investigation by the Illinois Attorney General and Department of Labor into allegations that the company employed underage migrant children at its Illinois facilities. Up to $2.25 million is reserved for eligible child worker claimants. File your claim by November 20, 2026.

What Is This Case About?

After a February 2023 New York Times investigation alleged that Hearthside Food Solutions employed underage migrant children at its snack food plants in Illinois, the Illinois Office of the Attorney General and Department of Labor launched an investigation. Hearthside subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Texas in late 2024 and has since rebranded as Maker’s Pride. The settlement required bankruptcy court approval, which was granted in January 2025.

Who Is Eligible?

Any individual who worked at a Hearthside Food Solutions facility in Illinois while under the age of 16 at any point between March 1, 2020 and December 4, 2024, and who can provide documentation to support their claim.

How Much Can You Receive?

Cash payment from up to $2.25 million reserved for eligible child worker claimants (pro-rata share among verified claims). The remaining fund covers other remedies, oversight, and administration.

As part of the settlement, Hearthside (now Maker’s Pride) must submit to two years of state oversight, including state audits and an anonymous employee hotline for reporting child labor violations.

How to File Before the Deadline

Submit your claim with supporting documentation through the official Hearthside Food Solutions Settlement website.

Looking for more open class action settlements? Visit OpenClassActions.com to browse current cases you may qualify for.

  • Claim Deadline: November 20, 2026
  • Settlement Amount: $4.5 million ($2.25M for child worker claims)
  • Case Type: Child labor violations — food manufacturing

OpenClassActions.org is not affiliated with Hearthside Food Solutions or the settlement administrator. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.