Hearthside Food Solutions $4.5M Child Labor Settlement

Employees who worked at a Hearthside Food Solutions facility in Illinois while younger than age 16 between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 4, 2024, may be eligible to claim a monetary award from a settlement.

Hearthside Food Solutions LLC agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle an investigation by the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Department of Labor into alleged violations of state child labor laws. The duo investigated claims that Hearthside employed minors younger than age of 16 at its Illinois facilities, which is prohibited under Illinois law.

Who can file a claim?

Individuals must meet all of the following criteria:

• They worked at a Hearthside Food Solutions facility located in Illinois.
• Hearthside employed them at any time between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 4, 2024.
• They were younger than age 16 for some or all of the period they worked at the facility.

Both direct-hire employees and temporary workers assigned through staffing agencies are eligible provided they meet the age and employment period requirements.

How much can class members get?

Pro rata payment: Eligible class members will receive a share of the settlement fund based on the number of weeks they worked at a Hearthside facility while younger than age 16. The settlement allocates up to half of the $4.5 million settlement fund, $2,250,000, for payments to claimants. The remainder of the fund will cover administrative costs and other expenses.

The payment formula is: Each claimant’s payment = (50% of settlement amount/total number of weeks all claimants worked) × number of weeks the claimant worked while a minor

How to claim a class action payment

Class members can file a claim online or send their completed form and supporting documents to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Hearthside Food Solutions Settlement c/o Atticus Administration, PO Box 64053 St. Paul, MN 55164

Required information

Claimants must submit documents that:

• Shows their age (such as a birth certificate or government-issued ID)
• Demonstrates employment at a Hearthside facility in Illinois while younger than age 16 (such as staffing agency payroll records, employment agreements or similar documentation)

Those who are unable to provide all required documents should reach out to the administrator for guidance. Additionally, those who are uncomfortable submitting their tax identification number online may provide it by phone at 800-410-0649.

Payout options

The settlement administrator may contact claimants for payment method preferences closer to the distribution date.

$4.5 million settlement fund breakdown

The $4,500,000 settlement fund covers:

• Up to $2,250,000 for payments to class members
• Remaining funds for administrative costs, including the claims administrator's fees

Any balance remaining after the claims period will revert to the Illinois Department of Labor’s Child Labor and Day and Temporary Labor Services Enforcement Fund

Important dates

• Deadline to file a claim: Nov. 20, 2026
• Estimated payment distribution date: Quarter 1 (January–March) 2027

When is the Hearthside Food Solutions settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator expects to distribute payments to approved claimants in the first quarter of 2027. It will provide the specific date closer to the time of distribution.

Why is there a settlement?

The settlement resolves an investigation by the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Department of Labor into alleged violations of Illinois child labor laws by Hearthside Food Solutions LLC. The investigation focused on claims that Hearthside employed minors younger than age 16 at its Illinois facilities in violation of state law.

Hearthside did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to pay $4.5 million and implement compliance measures to resolve the matter and avoid further litigation.

Sources

1. Settlement FAQ
2. Assurance of voluntary compliance