KROGER DONATES RECORD 26 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD TO AMERICA’S SECOND HARVEST TO HELP FEED THE HUNGRY
Donation, Valued at $42 Million, Helps Make A Difference in Lives of Working Families

CINCINNATI, OH, June 8, 2004 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that it donated more than 26 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 over $42 million, ranked as the largest in Kroger’s history.

“Kroger is proud to support America’s Second Harvest in the fight against hunger,” said David B. Dillon, Kroger chief executive officer. “At a time when food pantries across the nation are facing increased demand, our retail divisions are working in partnership with local food banks and food-rescue organizations to generate greater awareness of hunger relief programs, share best practices in raising food donations, and pursue new donation opportunities.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that since 1999, the number of American households needing food aid has risen to more than 12 million. In addition, the number of metropolitan households outside of inner-cities dealing with food shortages rose to more than 4 million from 2001 to 2002.

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.

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.

“As demand for food assistance grows, we depend on the generosity of our friends. Kroger has been one such friend, and we are grateful for their continued support,” 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 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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