SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 15, 1999 HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-183 23-0691590 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (717) 534-6799 ----------------------------- Page 1 of 3 Pages Exhibit Index - Page 3 INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT Item 5. Other Events ------------ On April 15, 1999, the Corporation announced that its earnings for the first quarter ending April 4, 1999 may be below market expectations by $.03 per share. A copy of the press release dated April 15, 1999 announcing the Corporation's expectations regarding first quarter earnings is incorporated herein by reference and a copy is filed herewith as Exhibit 99. 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 thereunto duly authorized. Dated: April 23, 1999 -------------- HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION By /s/ William F. Christ ---------------------------- William F. Christ Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Page 2 of 3 Pages Exhibit Index - Page 3 Exhibit Index Exhibit No. Description - ----------- ----------- 99 Press Release dated April 15, 1999 Page 3 of 3 Pages Exhibit Index - Page 3