LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Compton-based supermarket chains
Ralphs and Food 4 Less today announced plans for their first annual Black
History Month celebration to recognize the achievements of African-Americans
in the communities served by the two supermarket chains.
    In recognition of Black History Month, The Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation
will accept donations from customers throughout the month of February in more
than 450 Ralphs, Food 4 Less (Southern California, southern Nevada, Illinois
and Indiana), Foods Co, Bell Markets and Cala Foods stores.  All funds
collected will be donated directly to African-American organizations with a
focus on education, culture and heritage.
    Customers can support the Black History Month fund-raising program by
donating their spare change in specially marked collection canisters located
at the checkstands in their neighborhood Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Foods Co or
Cala/Bell supermarket.
     Organizations to benefit from the program include:

     *  African-American Firefighter Museum, Los Angeles
     *  Black Historical Society of San Diego
     *  California African-American Museum, Los Angeles
     *  Chicago's DuSable Museum of African-American History
     *  Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Ninth & Tenth Cavalry Association
        (Buffalo Soldiers)
     *  Friends of Watts Towers, Los Angeles
     *  Jack & Jill of America, Far West Region (Pomona)
     *  Las Vegas Inner City Games
     *  San Francisco African-American Historical & Cultural Society
     *  Tuskegee Airmen, Sacramento
     *  Tuskegee Airmen, San Diego

     "Ralphs and Food 4 Less are committed to being a good neighbor.  As part
of our commitment to the communities our stores serve, we think it is
important to acknowledge the achievements of African-Americans and support
organizations that celebrate the cultural heritage of the African-American
community," said Dave Hirz, president of Ralphs.  "Our Black History Month
fund-raising program offers our customers and associates the opportunity to
support the outstanding accomplishments of the people and organizations that
make our communities culturally rich."

    The Ralphs/Food 4 Less Foundation was established in 1991 by Ralphs
Grocery Company to fulfill the supermarket company's commitment to giving back
to the communities it serves.  The Foundation has assisted hundreds of
nonprofit organizations, schools and community groups with grants in excess of
$20 million. Thousands of people have benefited as a result of this support.
    Ralphs and Food 4 Less believe in being good corporate citizens by
contributing to the diverse communities they serve.  Last year, Ralphs and
Food 4 Less provided more than $5 million in cash and in-kind donations to
organizations focused on health, education, the fight against hunger, the
advancement of women and minorities, and developing our youth.

    Ralphs Grocery Company was founded in 1873 and currently operates more
than 450 conventional and warehouse-style supermarkets under the Ralphs, Food
4 Less, Foods Co and Cala/Bell banners in California Nevada, Illinois and
Indiana from its headquarters in Los Angeles.  The company is a division of
The Kroger Co., (NYSE: KR), one of the nation's largest food retailers, based
in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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