Exhibit 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in: (i) Registration Statement No. 2-98602 (1985 Stock Option Plan) on Form S-8; (ii) Registration Statement No. 33-36586 (1990 Fleming Stock Option Plan) on Form S-8; (iii) Registration Statement No. 33-56241 (Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan) on Form S-3; (iv) Registration Statement No. 333-11317 (1996 Fleming Incentive Stock Option Plan) on Form S-8; (v) Registration Statement No. 333-35703 (Senior Subordinated Notes) on Form S-4; (vi) Registration Statement No. 333-28219 (Associate Stock Purchase Plan) on Form S-8; of our report dated February 18, 1999 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Fleming Companies, Inc. for the year ended December 26, 1998. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Oklahoma City, Oklahoma March 12, 1999