Shaw's Supermarkets to Start Donation Collection in all its Stores this Weekend to Aid Victims of Hurricane Katrina

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Albertson's, Inc. announced today that it will be providing $10 million in aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Shaw's is a division of Albertson's.

After working closely with the Red Cross to determine what was needed most, the company said that it will be providing $9 million in water, food and general merchandise from its hunger relief fund and will also establish a $1 million cash matching fund to match donations from customers and associates around the country.

Larry Johnston, Chairman, President & CEO said, "The magnitude and scope of this incredible disaster demands that we rally to support our fellow Americans in need on the Gulf Coast. In-store donation canisters will be in place in all 2,500 stores beginning this weekend and shipments of water, food and general merchandise are already moving to the impacted areas. The thoughts and prayers of our 240,000 associates are with the victims and their families."

The Shaw's division of Albertson's will make donation canisters available at its check-out stands in all its stores throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

"We are all saddened by the devastation in the Gulf Coast. New Englanders and Shaw's are eager to help. This relief effort makes it possible to provide necessary funds and critical supplies," says Tom Farello, Senior Vice President for Retail Operations for Shaw's Supermarkets.

About Shaw's

Shaw's Supermarkets and Star Markets are a division of Albertsons, Inc. Throughout the six New England states, there are more than 200 Shaw's and Star Market store locations employing approximately 30,000 associates. Albertson's is one of the world's largest food and drug retailers. The Company's divisions and subsidiaries operate approximately 2,500 stores in 37 states across the U.S. and employ more than 240,000 associates. Its banners include Albertson's, Acme, Shaw's, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, Osco Drug, and Star Market, as well as Super Saver and Bristol Farms, which are operated independently. For more information about Albertson's, please visit our website at http://www.albertsons.com/.