KROGER DONATES 20 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD TO AMERICA'S SECOND HARVEST TO HELP FEED THE HUNGRY
Company Once Again Ranks Among Nation's Largest Retail Donors

CINCINNATI, OH, April 7, 2003 - The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that it donated 20 million pounds of food last year to America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. The donation, which was valued at $35 million, ranked among the largest in Kroger's history.

Kroger's retail divisions work with more than 40 regional food banks around the country that are affiliated with Second Harvest. Kroger consistently ranks as one of the largest retail contributors of food and grocery products to the non-profit organization. The Company twice has been named "National Retailer of the Year" by America's Second Harvest in the past three years.

Last year, Kroger also expanded its partnership with America's Second Harvest through the "Grocery Alliance" program. Under this program, Kroger's retail divisions are working more closely with America's Second Harvest food banks and food-rescue organizations in their local communities to generate greater awareness of hunger relief programs, share best practices in raising food donations, and seek new donation opportunities through a variety of activities.

"Kroger is proud to support America's Second Harvest in feeding millions of hungry Americans," said Joseph A. Pichler, Kroger chairman and chief executive officer. "By partnering with America's Second Harvest, we can help ensure that donations made by our customers and our stores reach needy families in those communities. Through our Grocery Alliance project, Kroger is enhancing those efforts and encouraging others to support local hunger relief programs."

America's Second Harvest provided emergency food assistance to more than 23 million hungry Americans last year, including 9 million children and more than 2 million seniors.

"In these difficult times, Kroger's commitment to America's working families continues to grow. Our heartfelt thanks to Kroger for leading the way in the grocery industry by giving back to our hungry neighbors," said Robert Forney, President and CEO, America's Second Harvest.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. At the end of fiscal 2002, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,488 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under approximately two dozen banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 784 convenience stores, 441 fine jewelry stores, 376 supermarket fuel centers and 41 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

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