Does Flowers Foods do background checks?

Yes. Flowers Foods still conducts background checks, but through its Second Chance program a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant.

What is the Flowers Foods Second Chance program?

It is a company-wide hiring initiative — originating with Dave's Killer Bread — that intentionally hires people with criminal backgrounds. It now operates at all 49 Flowers baking plants.

Does Flowers Foods drug test?

Drug screening can apply depending on the role and location, and is most common for safety-sensitive and driving positions.

What jobs at Flowers Foods are best for people with records?

Production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles at the baking plants are the most accessible, and are where the Second Chance program is most active.

Does Flowers Foods Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Yes

Flowers Foods runs a formal Second Chance employment program at all of its baking plants and actively hires people with criminal records. A conviction is not an automatic disqualifier.

Flowers Foods actively hires people with criminal records through a formal Second Chance employment program that operates at all 49 of its baking plants. The Thomasville, Georgia-based company is the second-largest producer of packaged bakery goods in the U.S., with brands including Nature's Own, Wonder, Tastykake, Dave's Killer Bread, and Canyon Bakehouse, and employs roughly 9,000 people nationwide. The Second Chance model came from Dave's Killer Bread — founded by Dave Dahl, who served more than 15 years in prison — which Flowers acquired in 2015 and expanded company-wide. Leadership publicly frames it as a business decision: hire the best person for the job regardless of background. Flowers still runs background checks, but a conviction is not an automatic disqualifier, and the company openly recruits from reentry programs. Production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles are the most accessible entry points; independent distributor and driver roles have stricter driving-record requirements.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Production Associate	Yes	Yes — standard criminal check	Mixing, baking, and packaging. Second Chance program applies. High-volume entry-level role.
Packaging / Machine Operator	Yes	Yes — standard criminal check	Running and monitoring production lines. Entry-level friendly with on-the-job training.
Sanitation Worker	Yes	Yes — standard criminal check	Cleaning and sanitizing equipment, often overnight. Frequently available.
Warehouse / Shipping	Yes	Yes — standard criminal check	Loading, order selection, and material handling. Physical work with steady openings.
Route Sales / Independent Distributor	Case-by-case	Yes — criminal check + motor vehicle record	Independent distributor and driver roles need a clean driving record; recent or driving-related convictions are obstacles.

Flowers Foods' Second Chance Program

Flowers Foods is one of the most openly second-chance-friendly manufacturers in the country. Its Second Chance employment program hires workers with criminal backgrounds and now runs at all 49 of the company's baking plants. The program traces to Dave's Killer Bread, founded by Dave Dahl after more than 15 years in prison; Flowers acquired the brand in 2015 and expanded the hiring model company-wide. Company leaders describe it not as charity but as sound business — hiring the best person for the job regardless of record — and note that roughly one in four American adults has some kind of record. Flowers still conducts background checks, but a conviction does not automatically end an application, and the company recruits through reentry and workforce programs. This makes production and plant roles genuinely accessible for people rebuilding after incarceration.

Tips for Getting Hired at Flowers Foods

Apply online at the Flowers Foods careers site and target production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse openings, where the Second Chance program is most active. Because Flowers is upfront about second-chance hiring, you can be direct about your record and focus on your work ethic and reliability. Ask whether the plant near you participates in reentry partnerships — many do. Emphasize steady attendance, physical stamina, and willingness to work overnight or weekend shifts. Driver and independent distributor roles are the exception, since they review driving records, so start with plant-floor jobs if you have a driving-related conviction. Flowers offers training pathways into leadership, so an entry role can become a career.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply online at careers.flowersfoods.com and target production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles.
2.Ask whether your local plant participates in the Second Chance program or reentry partnerships — most do.
3.Be direct about your record; Flowers is openly second-chance-friendly and values reliability over a clean sheet.
4.Start with plant-floor jobs if you have a driving-related conviction — distributor/driver roles check motor vehicle records.
5.Highlight steady attendance, stamina, and willingness to work overnight or weekend shifts.
6.Ask about training pathways — Flowers promotes from within into leadership roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Flowers Foods hire felons?: Yes. Flowers Foods runs a Second Chance employment program at all of its baking plants and actively hires people with criminal records. A conviction is not an automatic disqualifier.
Does Flowers Foods do background checks?: Yes. Flowers Foods still conducts background checks, but through its Second Chance program a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
What is the Flowers Foods Second Chance program?: It is a company-wide hiring initiative — originating with Dave's Killer Bread — that intentionally hires people with criminal backgrounds. It now operates at all 49 Flowers baking plants.
Does Flowers Foods drug test?: Drug screening can apply depending on the role and location, and is most common for safety-sensitive and driving positions.
What jobs at Flowers Foods are best for people with records?: Production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles at the baking plants are the most accessible, and are where the Second Chance program is most active.

Take Action — Direct Links

Flowers Foods Careers
Search and apply for baking plant, warehouse, and distribution positions.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).