(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 22, 2002 ) Vons, A Safeway Company and Del Monte Foods Company today announced its commitment of a $20,000 gift to City of Hope. The donation was provided to City of Hope through a partnership by Del Monte, the largest producer and distributor of premium quality, branded processed fruit, vegetable and tomato products in the United States and Vons, a long-standing supporter of City of Hope.

The donation was generated during a four-week Del Monte product promotion launched in March 2002. Each time a Vons customer purchased a Del Monte Pineapple product, Del Monte made a contribution to the fund.

"Vons is proud of its long-time commitment to City of Hope," said Vons President Tom Keller. "Successful programs, such as this one for the City of Hope, are not possible without forming positive relationships like the one we have with Del Monte."

City of Hope, founded in 1913, is an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution located just outside Los Angeles, California. Designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope and some of the world's most knowledgeable physicians, researchers, scientists and healthcare professionals are dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

"Campaigns like this one developed by our partners at Vons and Del Monte provide the necessary funding so that we can continue our leading-edge cancer research programs," says Cheryl Kennick, senior director of Development for City of Hope. "We are pleased that they are joining us in the fight against life-threatening diseases and we hope more companies will be inspired to support City of Hope's ongoing efforts."

ABOUT DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY

Del Monte Foods Company, with net sales of approximately $1.3 billion in fiscal 2001 (reflecting the impact of EITF Issue Nos. 00-14 and 00-25), is the largest producer and distributor of premium quality, branded processed fruit, vegetable and tomato products in the United States. The Del Monte brand was introduced in 1892 and is one of the best-known brands in the United States. Del Monte products are sold through national grocery chains, independent grocery stores, warehouse club stores, mass merchandisers, drug stores and convenience stores under the Del Monte, Contadina, S&W and SunFresh brands. The Company also sells its products to the U.S. military, certain export markets, the foodservice industry and food processors. The Company operates twelve production facilities and seven distribution centers in the U.S., has operations in Venezuela and owns Del Monte brand-marketing rights in South America.

ABOUT VONS

Vons is a division of Safeway Inc., one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America based on annualized sales of approximately $33 billion. The company operates more than 1,700 stores in the United States and Canada, with 327 stores in Southern California and Southern Nevada under the Vons and Pavilions banners.

ABOUT CITY OF HOPE

The City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute in the Greater Los Angeles area, is one of the world's leading research and treatment centers for cancer and other serious diseases including diabetes and HIV/AIDS. The work conducted at City of Hope is shared with medical centers worldwide, touching the lives of millions of people everywhere.

For more information about how you can support City of Hope's lifesaving research and treatment programs, please call 800-260-HOPE, or visit the Web site at www.cityofhope.org. City of Hope, Where the Power of Knowledge Saves Lives(TM).

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Produced for Vons

Contacts:

Maureen Carlson
Director of Cause Related Marketing
City of Hope
(213) 202-5735

Daymond W. Rice
Public Affairs Manager
Vons
(626) 821-7897

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Contact Information:
Safeway Inc.
Joseph Nchor
Tel:
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