Exhibit 12 FLEMING COMPANIES, INC. COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES FISCAL YEAR ENDED THE LAST SATURDAY IN DECEMBER 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) Earnings: Pre-tax income (loss) $(200,889) $(62,581) $(598,202) $82,685 $54,573 Fixed charges, net 198,413 193,263 195,956 197,923 202,184 Total earnings (loss) $(2,476) $130,682 $(402,246) $280,608 $256,757 Fixed charges: Interest expense $174,569 $165,180 $161,581 $162,506 $163,466 Portion of rental charges deemed to be interest 23,331 27,626 33,948 35,050 38,356 Capitalized interest and debt issuance cost amortization 2,051 1,117 604 1,186 104 Total fixed charges $199,951 $193,923 $196,133 $198,742 $201,926 Deficiency $202,427 $ 62,451 $598,379 Ratio of earnings (loss) to fixed charges - 0.67 - 1.41 1.27 "Earnings" consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes and fixed charges excluding capitalized interest. Capitalized interest amortized during the respective periods is added back to earnings. "Fixed charges, net" consist of interest expense, an estimated amount of rental expense which is deemed to be representative of the interest factor and amortization of capitalized interest and debt issuance cost. 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. Results excluding strategic plan adjustments and one-time items are as follows: FISCAL YEAR ENDED THE LAST SATURDAY IN DECEMBER 2000 1999 1998 (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS) Total adjusted earnings $306,276 $261,757 $265,781 Total fixed charges 199,951 193,923 $196,133 Adjusted ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.53 1.35 1.36