Hourly workers at Nature's Path Foods in Washington could receive an automatic check — no claim form to file.
What Is This Settlement About?
If you worked for Nature's Path Foods USA, Inc. as an hourly employee in Washington State at any point between March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2026, you may have a check coming in the mail — and you do not need to file anything to receive it.A former employee, Rick Weidkamp, filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Nature's Path Foods USA, Inc. violated Washington State wage and hour laws by failing to provide legally compliant meal periods and rest breaks to its non-exempt hourly workers, and by failing to pay all wages owed for that time. Under Washington law, employers must generally provide paid rest breaks of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked and a meal period of at least 30 minutes for shifts longer than 5 hours.
To resolve the case, Nature's Path Foods agreed to a settlement fund of $1,395,000. The company denies the allegations and does not admit any wrongdoing or liability; the parties agreed to settle to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation. The settlement still requires the Court's final approval before any payments are issued.
Who Qualifies?
The settlement class includes non-exempt (hourly) employees who worked for Nature's Path Foods USA, Inc. in Washington State at any time between March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2026. Salaried, exempt employees are not part of the class. Eligibility is determined from the company's own payroll and employment records, so there is nothing to prove and no documentation to submit.How Much Can You Get?
Individual payments vary. After court-approved attorneys' fees, costs, any service award, and administration expenses are deducted from the $1,395,000 gross fund, the remaining net amount is divided among class members on a pro rata basis — based on the total W-2 wages each class member was paid during the class period. Class members who earned more in wages during the period receive a larger share. The settlement provides for automatic distribution, so no estimate of an exact per-person amount is required to receive a payment.How Do You Get Paid?
There is no claim form. If the Court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved, the settlement administrator will mail a check to each qualifying class member at the address on file. The only thing a class member may need to do is make sure that address is current.If you have moved since leaving Nature's Path Foods, update your mailing address through the contact form on the official settlement website so your check reaches you. You do not need to do anything else to be included.
Key Deadlines
Class members who wish to exclude themselves (opt out) from the settlement, or to object to its terms, must do so by July 13, 2026. A class member who opts out keeps the right to pursue their own claims separately but gives up any payment from this settlement. The Court's final approval (fairness) hearing is scheduled for August 7, 2026, when the Court will decide whether to approve the settlement as fair, reasonable, and adequate. Payments are issued after final approval and after any appeals are resolved.Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a claim to get paid?
No. This is an automatic-payment settlement. Eligible class members do not file a claim form — if the settlement receives final approval, payments are mailed to qualifying class members based on the company's employment records.
Who is included in the Nature's Path Foods settlement?
The class includes non-exempt (hourly) employees who worked for Nature's Path Foods USA, Inc. in Washington State at any time between March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2026.
How much can I receive?
Individual payments vary. The $1,395,000 gross fund is divided among class members on a pro rata basis after court-approved fees, costs, and administration expenses, based on the total W-2 wages each person was paid during the class period.
What are the important dates?
The deadline to opt out of or object to the settlement is July 13, 2026. The Court's final approval (fairness) hearing is scheduled for August 7, 2026. Payments are issued after final approval and the resolution of any appeals.
What if my address has changed?
If you moved since you left Nature's Path Foods, update your mailing address through the contact form on the official settlement website so your check reaches you.
Sources
- Official settlement website — Settlement NPFU
- Weidkamp v. Nature's Path Foods USA, Inc., No. 25-2-10112-6 SEA, Superior Court of Washington, King County
