<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>f8kexh9901022003.txt
<DESCRIPTION>PRESS RELEASE-JANUARY 2, 2003
<TEXT>
                                                                      EXHIBIT 99





           J. ROBERT HILLIER RESIGNS FROM HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION'S
                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS


HERSHEY, Pa., January 2, 2003 -- Hershey Foods today announced that J. Robert
Hillier resigned from its Board of Directors effective December 31, 2002. A
Hershey Foods Director since 2001, Hillier served as a member of the Committee
on Directors and Corporate Governance and the Compensation and Executive
Organization Committee. Hillier is also Chairman of the Board and Founder of
Hillier in Princeton, New Jersey, one of the nation's largest architectural
firms.


"Hershey Foods has benefited from Bob's considerable knowledge and experience,"
said Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hershey
Foods. "He has our sincere appreciation as we wish him continued success in his
future endeavors."


Hershey Foods will seek a replacement for Hillier on its nine-member Board of
Directors.


Contact: Christine M. Dugan (717) 508-3238





</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
