GROWTH IN SAME-STORE SALES HIKES RESULTS AT FOOD LION

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Driven by same-store sales growth, Food Lion here said sales and earnings advanced for the first quarter ended March 23.

the quarter, Food Lion recorded a non-operating, noncash charge of $9.6 million because of an accounting change related to long-lived assets.

Tom Smith, president and chief executive officer, attributed the results to the shift to 24-hour service at several stores, the renovation and expansion of older stores, and the effect of winter storms.

1ST-QUARTER RESULTS

Qtr Ended 3/23/96 3/25/95

Sales $2.02 billion $1.87 billion

Change 8.02%

Same-store 5.2%

Net Income $40.9 million $37.7 million

Change 8.5%

Inc/Share 9 cents 8 cents