Quick Answer

Yes, Koch Foods WIDELY hires people with felony convictions case-by-case. As the third-largest poultry producer in the United States, Koch Foods offers highly accessible employment across 12+ processing facilities:

• Production Worker: $14-21/hour (poultry processing, production lines)

• Processing Line Worker: $15-22/hour (cutting, deboning, packaging chicken)

• Sanitation Worker: $14-19/hour + overnight premium ($1-3/hour extra)

• Forklift Operator: $17-23/hour (warehouse, material handling with certification)

  
  

Career Path: Production Worker → Lead → Supervisor ($40k-$60k/year)

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Koch Foods

3. Does Koch Foods Hire People with Felonies?

4. Koch Foods Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

5. Koch Foods Background Check: What to Expect

6. How to Get Hired at Koch Foods with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Poultry & Meat Processing Companies (All Highly Accessible)

9. Final Thoughts

About Koch Foods

Koch Foods is the third-largest poultry producer in the United States operating 12+ chicken processing facilities and feed mills across Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee, employing approximately 13,000 workers. Koch Foods processes over 13 million chickens weekly for retail grocery stores, restaurants, and foodservice customers. As a major poultry processor, Koch Foods offers exceptionally accessible employment for people with criminal records due to extreme labor shortage affecting entire poultry processing industry creating desperate hiring needs, behind-the-scenes production and processing work with no customer interaction, entry-level positions requiring zero experience, physically demanding work in cold environments reducing applicant competition, temp-to-hire pathways through staffing agencies placing thousands weekly, overnight shifts with premium pay ($1-3/hour differential), essential food production providing recession-proof stable employment, and case-by-case evaluation prioritizing work ethic and physical capability over criminal backgrounds in 2025.

Why Koch Foods Is HIGHLY Accessible for Felons:

1. EXTREME labor shortage - Poultry processing chronically short 10-15% of needed workers

2. 12+ processing facilities - Illinois (Park Ridge, Fairbury), Alabama (Gadsden, Albertville, Cullman), Mississippi (Morton, Forest), Georgia (Athens), Tennessee (multiple)

3. Behind-the-scenes processing - Factory floor chicken processing, zero customer interaction

4. No experience required - Training provided on production lines and equipment

5. Physical demanding work - Cold environments (40°F), repetitive standing reduces competition

6. Temp-to-hire VERY common - Staffing agencies place hundreds weekly, prove yourself, convert permanent

7. Overnight shifts accessible - Third shift (11pm-7am) pays $1-3/hour premium, easier to fill

8. Desperate hiring urgency - Some processing plants hire same-day for immediate needs

9. Case-by-case evaluation - Work ethic, reliability, physical capability matter—background almost irrelevant

10. All backgrounds accepted - Violence, drug trafficking, theft, multiple felonies widely hired due to need

Does Koch Foods Hire People with Felonies?

Koch Foods Hiring Approach (2025): Koch Foods evaluates applicants with criminal records case-by-case with WIDESPREAD ACCESSIBILITY driven by critical labor shortage affecting entire poultry processing industry nationwide. Koch Foods processing plants experience constant turnover (50-100% annual turnover typical in poultry industry) and desperate hiring needs making criminal backgrounds secondary to willingness to work in physically demanding, cold, fast-paced, sometimes unpleasant processing environments. Plant managers and production supervisors have significant hiring discretion, particularly for production line, processing, sanitation, and warehouse positions. Temp agencies provide massive gateway into Koch Foods employment—thousands of workers nationally enter poultry processing through temp-to-hire assignments weekly, with Randstad, PeopleReady, Labor Finders, and local staffing companies placing workers at Koch Foods facilities. Many people with ALL types of felonies including violence, drug trafficking, theft, assault, and multiple convictions work at Koch Foods facilities due to labor shortage making companies prioritize filling positions over background scrutiny. Poultry processing consistently ranks as one of most accessible industries for people with ANY criminal records in 2025.

What Koch Foods Considers:

• Physical capability for demanding work (cold 40°F environments, standing 8-10 hours, repetitive motion)

• Willingness to work challenging conditions (chicken blood, odors, fast production pace, wet floors)

• Reliability and attendance (production lines require full staffing daily, absenteeism major issue)

• Time since conviction (somewhat considered but VERY flexible—even recent felonies often hired)

• Shift availability (overnight third shift 11pm-7am most accessible with premium pay)

• Temp agency performance (temp-to-hire most common entry pathway)

• Work authorization (must be legally authorized to work in U.S.)

Most Accessible Koch Foods Positions: ALL production positions highly accessible: Production Worker, Processing Line Worker (cutting, deboning), Sanitation Worker (overnight cleaning), Material Handler, Forklift Operator, Packer, Live Haul Worker, Maintenance Helper

What Convictions Are Widely Accepted: Non-violent felonies (drug possession, property crimes, theft, fraud), drug convictions INCLUDING trafficking in many cases, theft convictions (even from employers), violence including assault and domestic violence (case-by-case but often hired), DUI/traffic violations, probation violations, multiple felonies, older and recent convictions

REALITY CHECK: Koch Foods and poultry processing accept nearly ALL felony convictions due to extreme labor shortage. Violence occasionally scrutinized but frequently hired anyway. Work ethic, physical capability, and willingness to work challenging conditions matter FAR more than criminal background. If you can physically do the work and show up reliably, background almost irrelevant.

What Faces Some Scrutiny (But Usually Still Hired): Recent violence within 6-12 months may require plant manager approval (usually granted due to hiring urgency), sex offenses evaluated case-by-case (shared locker room facilities but typically hired), active warrants may delay start date (clear warrant, then hired), extreme cases requiring legal work restrictions

Koch Foods Application Strategy: Apply through temp agencies (Randstad, PeopleReady, Labor Finders, Express Employment, local staffing) for fastest entry—often start within 3-7 days working at Koch Foods facility as temp. Apply directly to Koch Foods facilities at kochfoods.com/careers or visit plant HR offices in person. Emphasize willingness to work any shift especially overnight third shift. Show physical capability and reliability. Don't let ANY criminal background discourage application—Koch Foods and poultry processing DESPERATE for workers willing to do physically demanding work.

Koch Foods Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

1. Production Worker / Processing Line Worker Pay: $14-21/hour ($29,000-$44,000/year) + frequent overtime at 1.5x pay Working on chicken processing production lines performing cutting, deboning, trimming, sorting, and packaging chicken products, standing for entire 8-10 hour shift in cold refrigerated environment (40°F typically), working at fast production pace meeting quotas, using knives and processing tools safely and efficiently, following USDA food safety procedures and sanitation standards, working as coordinated team on assembly-line production, repetitive motions throughout shift. Why MOST Accessible: PRIMARY entry-level poultry processing position with MASSIVE constant hiring needs, absolutely no experience required (training provided on production lines), behind-the-scenes chicken processing work with zero customer interaction, Koch Foods accepts virtually ALL criminal backgrounds including violence, drug trafficking, theft, multiple felonies due to extreme labor shortage, physically demanding work (cold 40°F environments, standing all day, repetitive cutting) reduces applicant pool significantly, temp agencies place hundreds of workers weekly in production positions, extensive overtime opportunities (50-60 hour weeks common earning 1.5x pay after 40 hours weekly), prove reliability over time to advance to lead or supervisor roles earning $40k-$60k.
   

2. Sanitation Worker / Clean-Up Crew

   Pay: $14-19/hour ($29,000-$40,000/year) + overnight shift differential $1-3/hour

   Working overnight after production ends (typically 11pm-7am shift) cleaning and sanitizing poultry processing equipment, production lines, and facility areas, operating high-pressure washers and industrial cleaning equipment, following strict USDA sanitation protocols and food safety standards, using chemical cleaners and disinfectants safely with proper PPE, working in cold wet environments, maintaining facility hygiene essential for food safety compliance.

   Why HIGHLY Accessible: Overnight sanitation shifts represent MOST accessible poultry processing position, cleaning work after production with minimal supervision, overnight premium pay ($1-3/hour extra) increases total compensation to $15-22/hour, significantly less competition for overnight cleaning positions, essential food safety role that facilities must fill, straightforward sanitation procedures with comprehensive training provided, accepts ALL criminal backgrounds without question due to difficulty filling overnight positions, advance to sanitation supervisor or daytime production roles, many sanitation workers transition to higher-paying daytime production after proving reliability.
   

3. Forklift Operator / Material Handler

   Pay: $17-23/hour ($35,000-$48,000/year)

   Operating forklifts and material handling equipment moving raw materials, supplies, and finished chicken products throughout facility, loading and unloading delivery trucks at receiving docks, organizing warehouse and cold storage inventory, supporting production lines with timely material delivery, maintaining forklift equipment and conducting safety checks, following food safety cold chain procedures in refrigerated environments, using warehouse management systems for inventory tracking.

   Requirements: Forklift certification required (often provided by employer or temp staffing agency through free training programs).

   Why Accessible: Certified skill demonstrates commitment and increases employment value significantly, forklift operators in extremely high demand at all poultry processing facilities, higher pay than general production positions ($17-23/hour vs $14-21/hour), behind-the-scenes warehouse and loading dock operations, physical straightforward material transport work, temp agencies frequently provide free forklift certification training to place workers, advance to warehouse lead or logistics coordinator.
   

4. Packer / Packaging Line Operator

   Pay: $14-20/hour ($29,000-$42,000/year)

   Working on packaging lines preparing finished chicken products for retail or foodservice shipment, operating automated packaging equipment and machines, weighing and labeling packages accurately, quality checking packaged products for defects, working at fast repetitive pace, maintaining packaging area cleanliness and sanitation, following food safety labeling requirements and specifications.

   Why Accessible: Entry-level packaging work with training provided, straightforward repetitive packaging duties, behind-the-scenes packaging production lines, cold environment work, temp-to-hire placement common, accepts all criminal backgrounds, prove capability for advancement opportunities.
   

5. Live Haul Worker / Poultry Catcher

   Pay: $15-22/hour ($31,000-$46,000/year) + significant overtime potential

   Working at chicken farms catching and loading live chickens onto transport trucks for delivery to processing plants, extremely physical demanding labor (lifting, carrying chicken cages, working quickly), working overnight hours (chickens caught and transported at night 10pm-6am typically), outdoor farm work in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain), coordinating between farms and processing facilities, driving trucks in some positions.

   Requirements: Physical capability for extremely demanding work, reliable transportation to farms (rural locations), willingness to work outdoors overnight in all conditions.

   Why Highly Accessible: MOST physically demanding position in poultry industry (least desirable work), extremely high turnover creates constant desperate hiring, accepts ALL backgrounds without any scrutiny whatsoever, overnight farm work with minimal supervision, significant overtime opportunities (60-70 hour weeks common), higher pay than processing ($15-22/hour), gateway entry to poultry industry, many workers start live haul then transfer to processing plant positions.
   

6. Receiving / Shipping Associate

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Working at facility receiving dock processing incoming raw materials, supplies, and live chickens, coordinating outgoing shipments of finished chicken products to customers, maintaining shipping and receiving documentation and records, coordinating with truck drivers and logistics companies, using computer systems for tracking shipments and inventory, working in cold dock environment, ensuring accurate and timely product flow.

   Why Accessible: Logistics support role at facility docks, behind-the-scenes receiving and shipping operations, straightforward documentation and coordination duties, cold storage dock environment, computer skills developed through on-job training, case-by-case evaluation accepts most backgrounds.
   

7. Quality Assurance Inspector / QA Technician (Entry-Level)

   Pay: $16-22/hour ($33,000-$46,000/year)

   Inspecting chicken products throughout processing for quality defects, food safety issues, and USDA compliance, monitoring production line quality standards, conducting product testing and sampling, documenting quality data and inspection results, ensuring products meet Koch Foods specifications and customer requirements, supporting continuous quality improvement initiatives.

   Why Accessible: Entry-level quality inspection with comprehensive training on food safety, USDA standards, and quality procedures, behind-the-scenes production support inspecting chicken products, attention to detail skills developed on job, critical food safety role, advance to QA specialist, QA supervisor, or food safety coordinator positions.
   

8. Maintenance Technician / Industrial Mechanic

   Pay: $20-32/hour ($42,000-$67,000/year)

   Maintaining and repairing poultry processing equipment including conveyor systems, production line machinery, refrigeration and freezer systems, electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime, conducting preventive maintenance on schedule, working with ammonia refrigeration systems, maintaining processing equipment to USDA standards.

   Requirements: Industrial maintenance experience preferred, mechanical and electrical repair skills, ability to troubleshoot commercial equipment, refrigeration experience helpful, willingness to work in cold environments.

   Why Accessible: Skilled trade with critical maintenance shortage nationwide, technical mechanical and electrical ability valued highly, essential to plant operations (production stops without functioning equipment), behind-the-scenes equipment repair work, case-by-case evaluation with technical skills prioritized, high pay for skilled work, advance to maintenance supervisor or facilities manager earning $60k-$85k.
   

9. Warehouse Associate / Cold Storage Worker

   Pay: $15-21/hour ($31,000-$44,000/year)

   Working in refrigerated and freezer warehouse (0-40°F temperature range) organizing finished chicken products and maintaining inventory, using warehouse management computer systems for inventory accuracy, supporting production and shipping operations with timely product movement, working in extremely cold storage environments requiring insulated clothing, forklift operation in some positions.

   Why Accessible: Cold storage warehouse work (uncomfortable freezing conditions significantly reduce applicant competition), behind-the-scenes warehouse operations, straightforward inventory organization duties, forklift operation opportunity with certification, case-by-case evaluation, cold tolerance required but training and equipment provided.
   

10. Production Supervisor / Line Lead

    Pay: $40,000-$60,000/year salary

    Supervising production workers on chicken processing lines, ensuring production quotas and USDA food safety standards consistently met, training and developing production employees, maintaining regulatory compliance with USDA, OSHA, and food safety requirements, managing shift operations and schedules, troubleshooting production line issues and bottlenecks, reporting to plant management and coordinating with other departments.

    Requirements: Typically 2-3 years Koch Foods or poultry processing production experience, demonstrated leadership and reliability, comprehensive knowledge of poultry processing operations and food safety.

    Why Accessible: Koch Foods and poultry industry promote from within extensively due to need for supervisors with production knowledge, reliable production workers with strong performance advance to lead and supervisor roles regardless of criminal background, many current supervisors started as production workers with felony records and proved dedication and capability over 2-3 years, criminal record does NOT prevent advancement at Koch Foods—performance, reliability, and production knowledge determine promotions.

Koch Foods Background Check: What to Expect

Background Check Process (2025): Koch Foods conducts background checks after conditional job offer but labor shortage creates VERY FLEXIBLE evaluation process prioritizing filling urgent production needs. Background checks typically review 7-year criminal history (state-dependent limitations) but mainly serve to verify identity, work authorization, and satisfy basic due diligence. Koch Foods evaluates convictions case-by-case but accepts nearly all criminal histories due to desperate hiring needs—violence, drug trafficking, theft, multiple felonies all widely hired. Temp agencies also conduct background checks but place workers immediately at Koch Foods facilities with temp-to-hire providing instant employment pathway. Many Koch Foods processing plants hire same-day or within 3 days with background check processing occurring post-hire due to urgent production staffing needs. Plant managers have significant discretion to approve hiring despite criminal records.

Timeline: Background check 3-7 business days formal processing, but many Koch Foods plants hire pending background check clearance and allow workers to start immediately for urgent production needs.

What Rarely Disqualifies (But Usually Everything Hired Anyway): Active warrants may temporarily delay start date (clear warrant through court, then hired), extreme recent violence within 30-60 days occasionally requires plant manager approval (usually granted due to hiring desperation), legal work restrictions prohibiting food handling (extremely rare cases)

REALITY CHECK: Koch Foods and poultry processing hire people with virtually ALL criminal backgrounds including multiple felonies, violence, drug trafficking, theft, assault—labor shortage makes background almost completely irrelevant to hiring decisions. Physical capability, willingness to work challenging conditions, and basic reliability matter INFINITELY more than criminal history. If you're willing to do physically demanding poultry processing work, you WILL get hired.

Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing VARIES SIGNIFICANTLY by Koch Foods facility in 2025—some processing plants conduct drug screening, many plants do NOT drug test due to extreme difficulty filling positions with labor shortage. Random drug testing during employment varies by facility. If one Koch Foods facility requires drug testing you cannot pass, try applying to different Koch Foods processing plant (drug testing policies vary significantly by individual facility location and current hiring urgency). Many poultry processing workers cannot pass drug tests—some facilities accommodate this reality by not testing due to desperate need for workers.

How to Get Hired at Koch Foods with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

1. Apply Through Temp Agencies IMMEDIATELY for Fastest Entry

   FASTEST pathway into Koch Foods employment: Apply to Randstad, PeopleReady, Labor Finders, Express Employment Professionals, and local staffing agencies specifically targeting Koch Foods poultry processing assignments. Temp agencies often place workers at Koch Foods facilities within 3-7 days for immediate production work. Work as temporary employee, prove reliability and work ethic, then convert to permanent Koch Foods employee with benefits typically after 90 days. Temp-to-hire overcomes virtually all hiring barriers and provides instant employment.
   

2. Visit Koch Foods Processing Facilities In-Person

   Drive directly to nearest Koch Foods chicken processing plant (locate facilities: Park Ridge IL, Fairbury IL, Gadsden AL, Albertville AL, Cullman AL, Morton MS, Forest MS, Athens GA), walk into HR office or employee entrance, ask to apply in-person for production positions. Bring photo ID (driver's license or state ID) and be physically ready to start work immediately or next day. Many Koch Foods plants hire same-day for urgent production needs especially overnight sanitation shifts. In-person application shows serious commitment and immediate availability.
   

3. Apply to Multiple Koch Foods Facilities

   Koch Foods operates 12+ processing plants across 5 states. Apply to ALL Koch Foods facilities within 50-100 mile radius or consider relocating to poultry processing regions (Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee have multiple facilities). Some plants more desperate than others depending on current staffing. Apply everywhere simultaneously: kochfoods.com/careers for online applications.
   

4. Emphasize Physical Capability and Willingness to Work

   "I'm physically capable of demanding work in cold environments, reliable, and ready to start immediately in any position including overnight shifts" is EXACTLY what Koch Foods hiring managers desperate to hear. Physical ability to handle cold environments (40°F), standing all day, repetitive work, and willingness to work challenging conditions matters INFINITELY more than any criminal background.
   

5. Show Immediate Availability for Overnight Shifts

   "I'm available to start immediately for overnight third shift (11pm-7am) or any shift" makes you EXTREMELY valuable. Overnight sanitation shifts hardest to fill industry-wide, pay $1-3/hour premium differential, and accept everyone. Overnight availability often leads to same-day job offers.
   

6. Be Honest But Don't Over-Explain Background

   If directly asked about criminal convictions during interview or application: "I have criminal history but I'm physically capable, reliable, and ready to work hard in poultry processing." Keep explanation very brief. Koch Foods cares about reliability and work ethic, not criminal background details. Don't volunteer extensive details unless specifically asked—focus conversation on physical capability and willingness to work.
   

7. Pass Drug Test IF Required by Specific Facility

   Some Koch Foods processing facilities require pre-employment drug testing, many facilities do NOT test due to labor shortage difficulty. If facility requires drug testing you cannot currently pass, try applying to different Koch Foods plant (drug testing policies vary significantly by facility) or focus on achieving sobriety first before applying to facilities requiring testing.
   

8. Accept Any Position Offered to Get Hired

   Accept ANY Koch Foods position offered—production worker, sanitation, warehouse, live haul, any role. Getting hired into Koch Foods system is first critical step. Once employed, can transfer to preferred positions or advance to higher-paying roles internally. Poultry processing offers clear advancement pathway from entry production ($14-21/hour) to supervisor ($40k-$60k) over 2-3 years.
   

9. Consider Relocating to Poultry Processing Regions

   If no Koch Foods or poultry processing facilities near current location, seriously consider relocating to poultry-heavy states: Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, North Carolina. Poultry processing jobs plentiful in these regions with multiple Koch Foods, Pilgrim's Pride, Tyson, Perdue facilities. Housing more affordable in rural poultry regions. $30,000-$44,000 annual with overtime supports relocation costs within few months.
   

10. Start Immediately When Offer Extended

    When Koch Foods extends job offer, commit to starting ASAP—within 1-3 days ideally. Poultry processing plants operate on urgent production schedules with tight staffing. Delaying start date may result in losing opportunity to other applicants. Be ready to begin work immediately when offered position.
    

11. Apply to All Poultry Processors Simultaneously

    Don't limit applications to only Koch Foods—apply simultaneously to ALL poultry processors: Pilgrim's Pride (30+ plants), Tyson Foods (40+ plants), Perdue Farms, Sanderson Farms, Wayne Farms. Entire poultry processing industry operates under same severe labor shortage with identical hiring accessibility. Cast widest net possible across all poultry companies.
    

12. Bring Work-Appropriate Clothing and Mindset

    Understand poultry processing is physically demanding, cold, wet, fast-paced work processing chickens. Bring appropriate mindset that this work is challenging but provides stable income pathway ($30k-$60k with overtime and advancement). Dress appropriately for interview: clean casual clothes, closed-toe shoes. Show you understand and accept physical demands of poultry work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Koch Foods hire convicted felons?

   YES—Koch Foods WIDELY hires people with felony convictions including violence, drug trafficking, theft, assault, and multiple felonies in 2025. Poultry processing extreme labor shortage makes Koch Foods one of MOST accessible employers nationwide for people with ANY criminal records. Production Worker ($14-21/hr), Processing Line Worker ($15-22/hr), Sanitation Worker ($14-19/hr + $1-3/hr overnight premium). Apply through temp agencies (Randstad, PeopleReady) or directly to 12+ Koch Foods facilities across Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee. Behind-the-scenes chicken processing work. Physical capability and willingness to work challenging conditions matter—criminal background almost irrelevant to hiring.
   

2. Will Koch Foods hire me with a felony?

   YES, extremely likely regardless of specific felony type or how many convictions in 2025. Koch Foods and poultry processing accept nearly all criminal backgrounds due to desperate labor shortage affecting entire industry. Recent or older felonies, violence, drug convictions including trafficking, theft, property crimes, multiple felonies all widely hired routinely. Apply through temp agencies for fastest entry (start within 3-7 days). Visit Koch Foods plants in person with ID ready to start. Overnight sanitation shifts ($14-19/hr + $1-3/hr premium) most accessible with same-day hiring possible. Physical demanding work in cold environments (40°F). Apply to multiple Koch Foods plants. Don't let ANY criminal background discourage you—poultry processing WILL hire you if willing to work.
   

3. What is the most accessible Koch Foods position?

   Sanitation Worker at $14-19/hour + $1-3/hour overnight shift differential premium working overnight (typically 11pm-7am shift) cleaning and sanitizing chicken processing equipment and facilities after production ends, accepts ALL criminal backgrounds without ANY scrutiny whatsoever, significantly less competition for overnight cleaning positions, behind-the-scenes sanitation work with minimal supervision, essential food safety role facilities must fill, straightforward cleaning procedures with comprehensive training provided, advance to daytime production or sanitation supervisor, EASIEST fastest entry into Koch Foods employment often with same-day hiring.
   

4. Can you work at Koch Foods with a violence conviction?

   YES in vast majority of cases in 2025. Koch Foods and poultry processing routinely hire people with violence convictions including assault, domestic violence, battery, and other violent felonies due to extreme labor shortage. Recent extreme violence within 30-60 days may require plant manager approval (usually granted due to hiring desperation). Many current Koch Foods employees across all facilities have various violence convictions. Processing plants prioritize filling urgent production positions over background scrutiny. Physical capability and reliability matter—violence history rarely prevents hiring in poultry industry.
   

5. How far back does Koch Foods background check go?

   Typically 7 years for criminal history in most states in 2025 following state background check limitations, but evaluation VERY flexible. Koch Foods mainly conducts background checks to verify identity and work authorization for I-9 compliance. Labor shortage makes background checks largely formality rather than barrier. Many Koch Foods processing plants hire same-day pending background check clearance. All convictions regardless of timeframe widely accepted. Recent and older felonies both hired routinely. Poultry processing prioritizes filling desperate production needs over background investigations.
   

6. Does Koch Foods automatically reject felons?

   NO—Koch Foods does NOT automatically reject people with felonies whatsoever in 2025. Poultry processing accepts nearly all criminal backgrounds including multiple felonies, violence, drug trafficking, theft due to extreme critical labor shortage affecting entire industry. Physical capability to handle demanding work, willingness to work challenging cold environments, and basic reliability matter INFINITELY more than any criminal background. Koch Foods and poultry industry among MOST accessible employers nationwide for people with ANY criminal history. Apply with confidence regardless of background.
   

7. Can you work at Koch Foods while on probation or parole?

   YES if hired, which is likely. Many Koch Foods and poultry processing employees successfully manage probation or parole alongside production work in 2025. Production shift schedules structured (first shift 6am-2pm, second shift 2pm-10pm, third shift 10pm-6am typical) with breaks. Be upfront with probation officer and Koch Foods about employment requirements after hired. Stable Koch Foods employment ($29,000-$44,000 annually with overtime opportunities) and physical demanding work strongly demonstrate rehabilitation and commitment. Poultry processing jobs extremely common for people on supervision due to accessibility.
   

8. Does Koch Foods drug test?

   VARIES SIGNIFICANTLY by individual Koch Foods facility in 2025. Some processing plants conduct pre-employment drug screening, many plants do NOT drug test whatsoever due to extreme difficulty filling positions with labor shortage. Random drug testing during employment varies by specific plant location. If one Koch Foods facility requires drug testing you cannot currently pass, try applying to different Koch Foods processing plant in different location (drug testing policies vary dramatically by individual facility and current hiring urgency at that specific plant). Many poultry workers cannot pass drug tests—facilities accommodate this reality by not testing in desperate need for workers.
   

9. Can felons advance at Koch Foods?

   YES extensively regardless of criminal background in 2025. Koch Foods promotes from within based purely on performance and reliability. Many current Production Supervisors earning $40,000-$60,000 annually started as entry-level production workers with multiple felonies and proved reliability, work ethic, and production knowledge over 2-3 years. Career advancement path: Production Worker ($14-21/hr) → Lead Operator → Production Supervisor ($40k-$60k) → Plant Manager. Criminal record does NOT prevent advancement whatsoever at Koch Foods—strong performance, attendance, reliability, and production expertise determine promotions not background.
   

10. Is Koch Foods felon-friendly?

    YES—Koch Foods is EXCEPTIONALLY felon-friendly in 2025, ranking among MOST accessible employers in United States for people with ANY criminal records. Poultry processing extreme labor shortage makes criminal background almost completely irrelevant to hiring decisions. Production positions ($14-21/hr) widely accessible with behind-the-scenes chicken processing work. Physically demanding cold environment work (40°F) reduces applicant competition. Apply through temp agencies or visit 12+ Koch Foods plants directly across Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee. Overtime opportunities common (50-60 hour weeks earning 1.5x pay). Violence, drugs, theft, multiple felonies all widely hired routinely. Don't let ANY background prevent application.
    

11. What benefits does Koch Foods offer?

    Koch Foods offers health insurance (medical, dental, vision coverage) for full-time employees, 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions, paid time off and holidays, shift differential premium pay for overnight third shift ($1-3/hour extra), extensive overtime opportunities (time-and-a-half pay after 40 hours weekly with many workers regularly earning 50-60 hours weekly), career advancement opportunities with internal promotion culture, skills training in poultry processing and food safety, stable essential food production employment recession-proof, and employee referral bonuses for recruiting other workers.
    

12. How long is Koch Foods hiring process?

    Koch Foods hiring process VERY FAST due to urgent production needs in 2025. Temp agency placement: 3-7 days from application to starting work at Koch Foods facility. Direct hire at plants: walk in with ID → same-day interview → same-day or next-day offer → start within 1-3 days typical (many plants hire within 24-48 hours). Background check conducted post-hire while already working. Overnight sanitation positions often hired same-day for immediate start. Poultry processing among FASTEST hiring industries nationwide due to critical labor shortage and production urgency.

Similar Poultry & Meat Processing Companies (All Highly Accessible)

Major Poultry Processors (ALL Exceptionally Accessible):

• Tyson Foods (largest poultry and meat processor, 40+ facilities nationwide, Production Worker $14-22/hr, EXTREMELY accessible)

• Pilgrim's Pride (second-largest poultry, 30+ facilities, Production Worker $14-21/hr, VERY accessible)

• Perdue Farms (major poultry processor, facilities across East Coast/Southeast, accessible)

• Sanderson Farms (poultry processing, Southeast facilities, accessible)

• Wayne Farms (poultry processing, Southeast region, accessible)

• Mountaire Farms (poultry processing, East Coast, accessible)

Pork & Beef Processing (Also Very Accessible):

• JBS USA (largest meat processor globally, beef and pork, 60+ U.S. facilities, $15-24/hr)

• Smithfield Foods (largest pork processor, 40+ facilities, $14-22/hr)

• Cargill Meat Solutions (beef and turkey processing, multiple facilities nationwide)

• Hormel Foods (pork processing and meat products, Midwest facilities)

• National Beef (beef processing, Midwest facilities)

Why Poultry/Meat Processing EXTREMELY Felon-Friendly Industry-Wide:

• Critical nationwide labor shortage - Poultry and meat processing industry chronically short 10-15% of workers needed

• Extremely high turnover rates - 50-100% annual turnover typical creates constant desperate hiring

• Physical demanding work - Cold environments (35-45°F), wet floors, repetitive standing, fast pace significantly reduces applicant pool

• Behind-the-scenes production - Processing plants hidden from public, zero customer interaction

• Desperate hiring urgency - Plants cannot operate without full staffing, prioritize filling positions over scrutinizing backgrounds

• Temp-to-hire pathways common - Staffing agencies place thousands of workers weekly nationwide in meat processing

• Overnight shifts available - Third shift premium pay ($1-3/hour extra), easier to fill with less competition

• Essential food production - Recession-proof stable employment, continuous production regardless of economy

Poultry and meat processing consistently ranked MOST accessible industries nationwide for people with ANY criminal background including violence, drugs, theft, multiple felonies.

Final Thoughts

Koch Foods offers EXCEPTIONALLY accessible employment for people with felonies—ranking among MOST accessible employers nationwide regardless of conviction type or number of felonies due to extreme poultry processing labor shortage affecting entire industry. Production Worker ($14-21/hour), Processing Line Worker ($15-22/hour), and Sanitation Worker ($14-19/hour + $1-3/hour overnight shift premium) positions accept virtually ALL criminal backgrounds including violence, drug trafficking, theft, assault, and multiple felonies routinely. Temp agencies including Randstad, PeopleReady, Labor Finders provide instant gateway entry through temp-to-hire assignments—apply and start working at Koch Foods facility within 3-7 days typical, prove reliability, convert to permanent employee with benefits. Overnight sanitation shifts (11pm-7am) represent most accessible entry with premium pay and less competition, often with same-day hiring possible. Behind-the-scenes chicken processing work in cold environments (40°F) with physically demanding conditions. Career advancement realistic and common: Production Worker → Lead Operator → Production Supervisor ($40k-$60k) over 2-3 years based purely on performance. Apply to multiple Koch Foods processing plants across 12+ facilities in Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, or visit facilities in person with ID ready to start immediately. Physical capability and willingness to work challenging conditions matter—criminal background almost completely irrelevant to hiring decisions. Don't let ANY criminal record prevent application to Koch Foods or poultry processing—you WILL get hired if willing to work.

Key Takeaways for 2025:

• Koch Foods EXCEPTIONALLY felon-friendly—accepts virtually ALL criminal backgrounds

• Production Worker $14-21/hour, Processing $15-22/hr (behind-the-scenes chicken processing, zero customer contact)

• Sanitation Worker $14-19/hr + $1-3/hr overnight premium (MOST accessible, often same-day hiring)

• Apply through temp agencies FIRST for fastest entry (Randstad, PeopleReady, start within 3-7 days)

• Visit Koch Foods plants in person for immediate same-day hiring potential (bring ID, ready to start)

• 12+ facilities: Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee (apply to multiple plants)

• Violence, drugs, theft, multiple felonies ALL widely hired routinely (labor shortage critical)

• Extensive overtime opportunities (50-60 hrs/week common, $40k-$50k annual earnings with OT)

• Overnight shifts easiest entry with $1-3/hour premium differential pay

• Physical demanding work in 40°F cold environments reduces competition significantly

• Career path: Production → Lead → Supervisor ($40k-$60k) realistic over 2-3 years

• Drug testing VARIES by facility—some test, many don't (policies vary by plant location)

• Background check flexible formality—mainly verifies identity and work authorization

• Poultry processing one of MOST accessible industries nationwide for ANY criminal record

• Apply to ALL poultry processors simultaneously (Tyson, Pilgrim's Pride, Perdue, Sanderson) for maximum opportunities