HERSHEY, Pa., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) today announced that Wynn Willard, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, has decided to leave the company effective December 31, 2002. Willard joined Hershey Foods in 2001 following a nine-year career with Nabisco.

Commenting on Willard's decision, Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Wynn has made many contributions during his time with Hershey, bringing improved focus and a strengthened commitment to winning to our marketing program. We wish him well as he moves forward with his career."

A search for a successor currently is underway.

SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation

/CONTACT: Christine Dugan of Hershey Foods Corporation, +1-717-508-3238/