Exhibit 12 Fleming Companies, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 40 Weeks Ended October 2, October 3, (In thousands of dollars) 1999 1998 Earnings: Pretax income (loss) $(55,200) $ 54,252 Fixed charges, net 150,098 152,380 Total earnings $ 94,898 $206,632 Fixed charges: Interest expense $127,240 $124,411 Portion of rental charges deemed to be interest 22,508 27,640 Capitalized interest 428 - Total fixed charges $150,176 $152,051 Deficiency $55,278 - Ratio of earnings to fixed charges .63 1.36 "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.