A $4.25 million class action settlement has been preliminarily approved in litigation against prepared meal maker PurFoods, LLC, also known as Mom’s Meals, after a 2023 data breach allegedly exposed the personal information of 1,249,219 people. The settlement offers eligible individuals cash payments, reimbursement for documented losses, or three years of credit monitoring. The deadline to file a claim is October 30, 2025.
What the Lawsuit Is About
In early 2023, PurFoods experienced a cyberattack that allegedly compromised sensitive data. According to court filings, personal information belonging to customers, employees, and independent contractors may have been accessed or stolen between January 16, 2023, and February 22, 2023.
By August and September 2023, PurFoods notified the individuals that their data could have been affected. On September 1, 2023, two plaintiffs filed lawsuits claiming PurFoods failed to adequately safeguard private information. These cases were later consolidated into one class action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa under the case name Douglas et al. v. PurFoods, LLC, Case No. 4:23-cv-00332-RGE-SBJ.
PurFoods denies wrongdoing and disputes the claims, but the company agreed to settle the case to avoid the cost and uncertainty of further proceedings.
Who Can File a Claim
The settlement class includes all U.S. residents who received a notice from PurFoods stating their personal information was potentially compromised in the 2023 data breach.
PurFoods’ officers and directors, anyone who opts out of the settlement, the judge and magistrate judge overseeing the case (and their families), and anyone criminally responsible for the cyberattack are excluded from the settlement.
Compensation Options
Class members who submit a valid claim form can choose from three primary types of compensation:
1. Documented Loss Payments
Eligible individuals may generally claim up to $5,000 for expenses directly related to the data breach lawsuit or steps taken to mitigate its effects.
Covered losses may include:
- Costs from fraud or identity theft
- Fees for attorneys, accountants, or credit repair services
- Charges to freeze or unfreeze credit reports
- Bank fees, postage, travel, or phone charges
Documentation is required to receive this payment.
2. Cash Award
Instead of claiming documented losses, class members may request a cash payment, estimated at about $75. The exact amount depends on the number of valid claims and the remaining class action settlement funds after documented loss claims and administrative costs are paid.
Cash awards are capped at $5,000 per claimant.
3. Credit Monitoring and Insurance Services
Class members may choose three years of three-bureau credit monitoring and identity theft insurance. This option can be selected in addition to a documented loss claim or instead of a cash award.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Claims Deadline: October 30, 2025
Claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked by this date.
Opt-Out Deadline: September 30, 2025
Excluding yourself preserves the right to file a separate lawsuit but generally forfeits settlement benefits.
Objection Deadline: September 30, 2025
Class members who wish to object to the settlement terms must submit written objections by this date.
Final Approval Hearing: November 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time
The hearing will take place in Des Moines, Iowa, before Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger.
How to Submit a Claim
To participate in the settlement, class members must:
- Submit a claim form online or by mail by October 30, 2025.
- Provide supporting documents if seeking reimbursement for documented losses.
- Select the preferred benefit: documented losses, cash award, or credit monitoring.
What Happens If You Don’t File
- Do nothing: You give up your right to sue PurFoods separately, but you also will not receive money, reimbursement, or credit monitoring.
- Opt out: You will not receive any settlement benefits, but you retain the right to file your own lawsuit.
- Object: You can remain in the settlement and file an objection if you believe the terms are unfair.
- Attend the hearing: You may appear at the final approval hearing in Iowa at your own expense to state your views.
Final Reminder: File Your Claim
The PurFoods data breach settlement provides financial compensation and credit monitoring to those whose personal information may have been compromised during the 2023 cyberattack. With over 1.24 million people allegedly affected, this case highlights the growing legal consequences of data security failures.
If you received a notice about the breach, you may qualify for benefits. To secure your payment or credit monitoring, submit your claim by October 30, 2025.
Take action now: File a claim today or check the official settlement website for more details.
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