Exhibit 12 Fleming Companies, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 16 Weeks Ended -------------------- April 15, April 17, (In thousands of dollars) 2000 1999 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earnings: Pretax loss $(43,265) $(31,465) Fixed charges, net 61,135 60,246 Total earnings $ 17,870 $ 28,781 Fixed charges: Interest expense $ 53,101 $ 51,606 Portion of rental charges deemed to be interest 7,876 8,500 Capitalized interest 185 - Total fixed charges $ 61,162 $ 60,106 Deficiency $ 43,292 $ 31,325 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges .29 .48 "Earnings" consists of income before income taxes and fixed charges excluding capitalized interest. Capitalized interest amortized during the respective periods is added back to earnings. "Fixed charges, net" consists of interest expense, an estimated amount of rental expense which is deemed to be representative of the interest factor and amortization of capitalized interest. The pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges is omitted as it is not applicable. Under the company's long-term debt agreements, "earnings" and "fixed charges" are defined differently and amounts and ratios differ accordingly.