Does Conagra Brands Hire Felons?
Last updated:
Conagra Brands runs background checks and a drug screen after an offer but hires people with records for plant and warehouse roles. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer that reviews criminal history case by case.
Conagra Brands does hire some people with felony records, particularly for its manufacturing and warehouse workforce. The Chicago-based food company behind Marie Callender's, Healthy Choice, Slim Jim, Duncan Hines, Birds Eye, and Reddi-wip employs roughly 18,600 people and runs about 40 manufacturing facilities across North America. Conagra states that once you accept an offer, it completes a background check and a drug screen (in the U.S.) before you officially join. The company is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and does not publish a blanket felony ban, so criminal history is generally weighed case by case rather than being an automatic disqualifier. Indeed self-reports from applicants describe people being hired with older or non-violent records. Entry-level production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles offer the most opportunity; convictions involving theft or fraud draw more scrutiny for money-handling or corporate positions.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Associate | Case-by-case | Yes — after offer | Food processing and line work. Main entry-level role. |
| Packaging / Sanitation | Case-by-case | Yes — after offer | Packaging and plant cleaning. Often the most accessible roles. |
| Warehouse / Material Handler | Case-by-case | Yes — after offer | Order picking, loading, forklift. Certification helps. |
| Maintenance Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — after offer | Skilled trades role. Experience or certification valued. |
| Corporate / Finance | Harder | Yes — comprehensive check | Theft or fraud convictions face more scrutiny for these roles. |
Conagra Brands Hiring Practices
Conagra Brands is a major packaged-foods company headquartered in Chicago, with about 18,600 employees and roughly 40 manufacturing plants across North America. Conagra states that after you accept an offer it completes a background check and, in the U.S., a drug screen before you start. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, it does not advertise a blanket exclusion for people with records, and applicant self-reports on Indeed describe hires with older or non-violent convictions. Criminal history is reviewed in context — the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the job. Plant and warehouse roles have steady staffing needs and the most flexibility; theft or fraud convictions draw closer review for money-handling and corporate positions.
Tips for Getting Hired at Conagra Brands
Apply through the Conagra Brands careers site and focus on production, sanitation, packaging, or warehouse openings near you. Because the background check and drug screen come after you accept an offer, be honest if the topic comes up — being upfront protects the offer. If asked about your record, keep it short: what happened, when, and how you have moved forward. Highlight dependable attendance, safety awareness, and a willingness to work varied shifts, including nights. Prepare to pass a drug test. Conagra promotes from within, so a plant role can open the door to skilled trades or team-lead positions over time.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply on the Conagra Brands careers site and target production, sanitation, or warehouse roles.
- 2.Be honest if your record comes up — the check and drug screen run after you accept an offer.
- 3.Emphasize reliable attendance, safety focus, and flexibility on shifts.
- 4.Prepare to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
- 5.A forklift or maintenance certification strengthens warehouse and trades applications.
- 6.Ask about internal promotion paths — Conagra advances entry-level plant workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Conagra Brands hire felons?
- Yes, Conagra Brands hires some people with felony records, mainly for production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles. As an Equal Opportunity Employer it reviews criminal history case by case rather than applying a blanket ban.
- Does Conagra Brands do background checks?
- Yes. Conagra states that once you accept an offer, it completes a background check as part of onboarding before you officially join the team.
- Does Conagra Brands drug test?
- Yes. Conagra conducts a drug screen (in the U.S.) after you accept an offer, alongside the background check.
- Can I be hired at Conagra while on felony probation?
- It depends on the role and location. Conagra reviews records individually, so being on probation is not an automatic bar for many plant roles — disclose honestly if asked and be ready to explain your situation.
- Where does Conagra Brands have facilities?
- Conagra is headquartered in Chicago and operates roughly 40 manufacturing facilities across North America, plus offices and distribution centers.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Conagra Brands Careers
Search and apply for plant, warehouse, and corporate roles at Conagra Brands.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
- EEOC Arrest & Conviction Records Guidance
Your rights on how employers may consider criminal records.
Related Resources on This Site
Similar companies
Helpful guides
- Safety & ProtectionDomestic Violence Lawyer
- Free Legal AidFree legal aid by state
- HousingLow income apartments — affordable housing guide
- veteransVA Benefits After Incarceration