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:  July 15, 1998


                   
                         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 July 15, 1998, the Company released its earnings
          for the second quarter 1998 in the form attached
          hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

          
Item 7.   Financial Statements and Exhibits
- ------    ---------------------------------
          (c)  Exhibits 

               99.1 Other Exhibits--Earnings Release for
               Second Quarter 1998


                            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.


July 15, 1998                 By: (Paul W. Heldman)
                                   Paul W. Heldman
                                   Senior Vice President,
                                     Secretary and General
                                     Counsel




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

Exhibit
- --------
99.1      Other Exhibits--Earnings Release for Second Quarter
          1998