KROGER DONATES $1.8 MILLION FOR AMERICAN RED CROSS TSUNAMI RELIEF EFFORT

CINCINNATI, OH, February 28, 2005 -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today said it raised approximately $1.8 million in contributions from customers and associates in January for the American Red Cross to help victims of the tsunami in southern Asia and eastern Africa.

Customer donations were accepted at all of the Company’s more than 3,300 supermarkets, multi-department stores, and convenience stores. The $1.8 million total donation also includes generous contributions from associates that the Company’s three foundations matched. All of the money collected will be contributed to the American Red Cross International Response Fund in support of tsunami relief efforts.

“Our customers and associates have once again responded generously to help those in need,” said Lynn Marmer, Kroger group vice president of corporate affairs. “Every contribution will help and Kroger is pleased to assist our local communities in reaching out to the survivors of this disaster.”

“The toll from the December tsunami is immense, and the needs of survivors are extraordinary,” said Skip Seitz, senior vice president of growth and integrated development for the American Red Cross. “We appreciate the generosity of donors like The Kroger Co., its employees and customers. As a result of their donations, we are able, in conjunction with the global network of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, to continue providing aid to tsunami survivors who have lost their families, homes and livelihoods.”

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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