<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the John B.
Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 and is
qualified by reference to such statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                             602
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   28,062
<ALLOWANCES>                                       676
<INVENTORY>                                     77,105
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               109,182
<PP&E>                                         130,554
<DEPRECIATION>                                  50,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 205,352
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           68,226
<BONDS>                                         63,319
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            93
<OTHER-SE>                                      72,527
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   205,352
<SALES>                                        294,404
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               294,404
<CGS>                                          255,204
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  255,204
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   443
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               9,051
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (4,811)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (1,820)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (2,991)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (2,991)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.33)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.33)