Foodie Pundit

Church-Run Farm Hit With $670,000 Bill For Using Unpaid Child Labor

A federal judge just upheld a massive ruling against a Pennsylvania farm for illegal child labor practices. This is the corporate tea on what that means for your food and the restaurants that serve it.

By Foodie Pundit Newsroom - Published - Updated - Section: Agriculture Supply

Church-Run Farm Hit With $670,000 Bill For Using Unpaid Child Labor

Key points

  • A federal judge ordered a church-run farm to pay nearly $670,000 in back wages for violating child labor laws.
  • The ruling confirms that all businesses, regardless of religious affiliation, must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • The case is a major warning to restaurants about the need for intense supply chain scrutiny, as "local" doesn't always mean "ethical."
  • The financial penalty is not a fine, but back pay owed directly to the children who were illegally employed without pay.
  • This precedent strengthens the Department of Labor's position in pursuing labor violations across the entire food and agriculture sector.

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