Mar 3, 1999
            WASHINGTON, DC — March 3, 1999 — At the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) 1999 Midwinter Executive Conference, James E. Ukrop, Chairman of the Safeguarding Our Last Link Campaign, announced that Kraft Foods has committed a gift at the Platinum Link level to this campaign to educate consumers and reduce foodborne illness. This important food industry campaign was established by Food Marketing Institute Foundation (FMIF) in May 1998.

Mr. Phil Pellegrino, Kraft’s Senior Vice President, Sales and Customer Service, urges others in the industry to get involved in the campaign. "Kraft’s partnership with the FMI Foundation on this campaign demonstrates our commitment to educating customers, consumers and the industry at-large about the importance of food safety. We are pleased to be a part of this significant initiative."

The pledge was announced as Mr. Ukrop recognized the Link donors to the campaign. The Link donors are those companies and individuals who have pledged at least $100,000 to the campaign. Kraft Foods will be recognized at the highest level of distinction — the Platinum Link. The Link donors are listed on the attached sheet.

The campaign is being conducted by the Food Marketing Institute Foundation. The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization, separate from FMI, that will independently direct the food safety education programs.

     The Campaign Committee, being led by Mr. James E. Ukrop, is seeking donations from companies interested in keeping consumers safe from foodborne illness. The campaign will be recognizing donors at the FMI Supermarket Industry Convention in May.

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The Food Marketing Institute Foundation (FMIF) is a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the Food Marketing Institute. The Foundation seeks to ensure quality and efficiency in the food system and is operated for charitable, educational and scientific purposes.

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) is a nonprofit association conducting programs in research, education, industry relations and public affairs on behalf of its 1,500 members including their subsidiaries — food retailers and wholesalers and their customers in the United States and around the world. FMI’s domestic member companies operate approximately 21,000 retail food stores with a combined annual sales volume of $220 billion — more than half of all grocery store sales in the United States. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, small regional firms and independent supermarkets. Its international membership includes 200 members from 60 countries.




CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SAFEGUARDING
OUR LAST LINK CAMPAIGN


Platinum Link ($750,000 +)
Kraft Foods and The Food Marketing Institute

Gold Link ($500,000 +)
Albertson’s, Pepsico and Herb Pease

Silver Link ($250,000 +)
ConAgra, Loblaw Companies Limited and SUPERVALU

Bronze Link ($100,000 +)
Hy-Vee stores

Other gifts include Jax Markets and Ukrop’s Super Markets with gifts of $25,000 and Martin’s Super Markets with a gift of $10,000. The total raised to date is $4,211,000.