Exhibit 12 FLEMING COMPANIES, INC. COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 28 Weeks Ended July 12, July 13, (In thousands of dollars) 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings: Pretax income $ 38,467 $ 31,388 Fixed charges, net 105,720 114,268 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total earnings $144,187 $145,656 Fixed charges: Interest expense $ 85,045 $ 90,090 Portion of rental charges deemed to be interest 20,477 23,983 Capitalized interest - 11 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total fixed charges $105,522 $114,084 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.37 1.28 "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.