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 18, 1995


                   
                         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 October 18, 1995, the Company released its
          earnings for the Third Quarter 1995 in the form
          attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

          
Item 7.   Financial Statements and Exhibits
- -------   ---------------------------------

          (c)  Exhibits 

               99.1 Other Exhibits--Earnings Release for Third
                    Quarter 1995


                            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 18, 1995                   By: (Paul W. Heldman)
                                       Paul W. Heldman
                                       Vice President,
                                       Secretary and 
                                       General Counsel



                          EXHIBIT INDEX
                         -------------

Exhibit
- -------

99.1      Other Exhibits--Earnings Release for Third Quarter
          1995