KROGER ENCOURAGES ASSOCIATES AND CUSTOMERS TO PARTICIPATE IN CITIZENS’ HEALTH CARE WORKING GROUP MEETINGS AND ONLINE SURVEYS

CINCINNATI, OH, January 19, 2006 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today said it will encourage Company associates and customers around the country to participate in community meetings and online surveys sponsored by the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group aimed at improving health care in America.

The Citizens’ Health Care Working Group was created after Congress passed a law in 2003 requiring “an informed national public debate” on health care. Under the statute, Americans were to be asked to make choices about what health care coverage they want and how they are willing to pay for it. The Group is charged with creating a “citizens’ road map” for health care by soliciting the public’s input through community meetings and online surveys, then forming recommendations.

“Affordable, high-quality health care for all Americans is one of the most significant challenges facing our nation,” said David B. Dillon, Kroger chairman and chief executive officer. “Thanks to the work of the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group, all of us have an opportunity to make our voices heard.”

“Kroger’s involvement in this process will provide a valuable contribution to the efforts of the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group by raising awareness and urging communities to participate in this collaborative effort,” said Joe Hansen, president of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union and a member of the Group.

The Citizens’ Health Care Working Group will be holding community meetings in a number of major cities – including Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, Detroit, Phoenix and Chicago – over the next five months and conducting online surveys. For a complete list of cities and to share feedback with the Group, please visit www.citizenshealthcare.gov.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,531 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under two dozen banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith’s, Fry’s, Fry’s Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 792 convenience stores, 439 fine jewelry stores, 520 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

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