Exhibit 12 Fleming Companies, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 16 Weeks Ended April 18, April 19, (In thousands of dollars) 1998 1997 Earnings: Pretax income $31,375 $11,202 Fixed charges, net 62,428 60,562 Total earnings $93,803 $71,764 Fixed charges: Interest expense $51,202 $48,822 Portion of rental charges deemed to be interest 11,095 11,627 Capitalized interest - - Total fixed charges $62,297 $60,449 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.51 1.19 "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.