BOISE, Idaho, March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Albertsons Inc.
(NYSE: ABS) announced today that it has raised more than $1.2 million for the
American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts for those affected by
the recent tsunami disaster in Southern Asia and Eastern Africa.  The amount
raised includes donations made by customers at Albertsons stores nationwide,
plus those made by the company's associates.  The sum of the contribution also
reflects a corporate donation from Albertsons matching the total contribution
made by Albertsons associates.
    "It is truly inspiring to see the generosity of our customers and
associates in the wake of this unforgettable tragedy, which so suddenly
shattered the lives of millions of people in Southern Asia and Eastern
Africa," said Larry Johnston, Albertsons Chairman, CEO and President.  "We are
proud to support the American Red Cross' commitment to meeting the
unprecedented humanitarian needs of the tsunami survivors and hope that our
donation will go a long way in delivering aid to those who have endured
tremendous pain and suffering in the aftermath of this terrible disaster."
    Leveraging its network of over 2,500 stores, Albertsons hosted an in-store
fundraising program to provide customers with a convenient way to donate to
the American Red Cross International Response Fund.  The donations were
collected at the checkstands in all Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Shaw's, Star
Market, Bristol Farms, Super Saver, Osco Drug and Sav-on Drug Stores.
    All money collected will be donated to the American Red Cross
International Response Fund for relief efforts associated with the impact of
the December 26 tsunami.
    "Our disaster relief teams are working tirelessly to assist families and
rebuild communities in the regions impacted by the tsunami," said Skip Seitz,
Senior Vice President of Growth and Integrated Development for the American
Red Cross.  "We are grateful to corporate partners like Albertsons who made it
easy for the American public to support our mission of providing the tsunami
survivors with necessities including food and safe water, healthcare and
disease prevention, mental health counseling, and disaster preparedness
measures."

    Albertsons is one of the world's largest food and drug retailers.  The
company's divisions and subsidiaries operate over 2,500 stores in 37 states
across the U.S. and employ over 230,000 associates.  Its banners include
Albertsons, Acme, Shaw's, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, Osco Drug, Star Markets,
Super Saver and Bristol Farms.

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