MONTVALE, N.J. - April 8, 2003 - The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) (NYSE:GAP)is pleased to announce the second annual Great American USO (United Service Organizations) Fundraising Event which began on April 3, 2003.

Shoppers can make donations to the USO when shopping at their local A&P, Waldbaum's, The Food Emporium, Super Fresh and Sav-A-Center Supermarkets, by completing a donation voucher at the check-out counter. A&P will match any donation made during this USO fund raising event, up to a maximum of $50,000 dollars.

"For 62 years, the USO has stood as one of America's great institutions, providing support for the U.S. Armed Forces both at home and abroad," said Christian Haub, Chairman, President and CEO of A&P. "We are proud to support the work of the USO through our stores, especially at a time when so many of our military personnel are actively engaged overseas."

Last year, this event raised $28,000 in donations for the USO ($14,000 in contributions from consumers with a $14,000 match from A&P).

"A&P and the USO have been partners on behalf of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military for a number of years," Edward A. Powell, president and CEO of the USO said. "We appreciate the generosity of A&P and it's loyal customers in continuing that support."

Founded in 1859, A&P was one of the nation's first supermarket chains, and is today one of North America's largest. The Company currently operates approximately 680 stores in 15 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada under the following trade names: A&P, Waldbaum's, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh, Farmer Jack, Kohl's, Sav-A-Center, Dominion, The Barn Markets, Food Basics and Ultra Food & Drug. The Company also manufactures and distributes the Eight O'Clock line of whole bean coffees.

Contacts:

Richard De Santa
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
desantar@aptea.com
201-571-4495

Patti Councill
Communications Manager
councillp@aptea.com
201-571-4097

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