Kroger Supports Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign

Bell Ringers will be at Kroger stores throughout the holidays to raise funds for local communities

CINCINNATI, OH, November 16, 2006 - The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and its family of banner stores are once again supporting The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign this holiday season. In 2005, Kroger customers and associates contributed $5 million to The Salvation Army to fund services in their local communities.

Proceeds from The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign provide emergency services in more than 5,000 communities across the country. The campaign also funds toys for children at Christmas, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and many other social services throughout the year. More than 83 cents of every dollar are used to directly assist families in need.

"Kroger customers and associates have always generously supported this program and we are grateful for their efforts. These funds will be used in the community where they are raised," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army.

More than 31 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad range of social services. For more information, please visit www.salvationarmyusa.org .

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,477 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's and Smith's Marketplace, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 773 convenience stores, 418 fine jewelry stores, 608 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com .

Kroger Contacts: Media: Meghan Glynn (513) 762-1304

Investors: Carin Fike (513) 762-4969