HERSHEY, Pa., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) today declared a quarterly dividend of $.3025 on the Common Stock, an increase of 8.0 percent, or $.0225 per share. In addition, the Board declared a dividend of $.2725 on the Class B Common Stock, an increase of 7.9 percent, or $.02 per share. The dividends are payable September 14, 2001, to stockholders of record August 24, 2001. It is the 287th consecutive regular dividend and 27th annual increase on the Common Stock, and the 68th consecutive regular dividend and 17th consecutive annual increase on the Class B Common Stock.

SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation

CONTACT: Christine M. Nelson, +1-717-534-7631, or Financial: James A. Edris, +1-717-534-7556, both of Hershey Foods/