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:  February 8, 1994


                   
                              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 5.   Other Events

               
          On February 8, 1994, the Company released its earnings for the fourth
          quarter and fiscal year 1993 in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
          99.1.


Item 7.   Financial Statements and Exhibits

          (c)  Exhibits 

          99.1 Other Exhibits--Earnings Release for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal
               Year 1993

                               EXHIBIT INDEX


     Exhibit                                      

99.1 Other Exhibits--Earnings Release for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 1993
    
      


                                 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.




February 8, 1994                   By  (Paul Heldman)
                                       Paul Heldman
                                       Vice President, Secretary
                                         and General Counsel