UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report: October 11, 2002 THE KROGER CO. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) An Ohio Corporation No. 1-303 31-0345740 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer of incorporation) Number) Number) 1014 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45201 (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number: (513) 762-4000 Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure In response to a question, a Company spokesperson noted that Kroger's labor agreements currently in effect provide for no material future increases in required pension contributions. The spokesperson added that asset values in pension plans generally have declined and, in the absence of a recovery in the securities markets, pension contributions are likely to be a topic of discussion in future labor contract negotiations. Pension costs in company-sponsored plans also are likely to increase. This disclosure will not be deemed to be filed pursuant to Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section unless we expressly incorporate it by reference into a filing made under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. SIGNATURE --------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereto duly authorized. THE KROGER CO. October 11, 2002 By: (Paul Heldman) Paul Heldman Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel