KROGER PHARMACISTS REACH OUT TO HELP CUSTOMERS USE NEW PHARMACY CARE ALLIANCE DISCOUNT CARD AT MORE THAN 1,850 KROGER-OWNED PHARMACIES NATIONWIDE

Retailer to Accept Most Medicare-Approved Discount Cards Beginning June 1

CINCINNATI, OH, May 28, 2004 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today said its more than 1,850 pharmacies around the country are reaching out to help customers use the new Pharmacy Care Alliance discount card that will offer savings of up to 20% on brand drugs and as much as 40% on generic drugs beginning June 1.

“For years our customers have depended on their neighborhood Kroger pharmacists for trusted advice about new drugs and prescription information,” said Lincoln Lutz, Kroger vice president of pharmacy merchandising and procurement. “Today we have an opportunity to play a vital role in helping our customers understand the benefits of the Pharmacy Care Alliance card and how it can help them save money on prescription drugs.”

Enrollment began earlier this month and the Medicare discount card program will begin Tuesday, June 1, 2004. Kroger has conducted extensive training programs for all pharmacists to ensure they are prepared to assist Medicare beneficiaries with enrollment and answer questions.

Kroger will accept most Medicare-approved drug discount cards at its store pharmacies. These cards are designed to help beneficiaries with prescription drug cost until the new federal prescription drug coverage – Medicare Part D – takes effect in January 2006.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of fiscal 2003, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,532 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, through its subsidiaries or franchise agreements) 802 convenience stores, 440 fine jewelry stores, 466 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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