INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT

        The information in this Current Report, including the exhibit, shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure

        On February 9, 2004, Hershey Foods Corporation (the “Corporation”) and Dr. Barry Sears announced the introduction of the first nutrition bars with Dr. Barry Sears’ Zone Diet seal of approval. A copy of the Corporation’s press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: February 9, 2004

                 HERSHEY FOODS CORPORATION

By:     /s/Frank Cerminara   
Frank Cerminara
         Senior Vice President,
          Chief Financial Officer

Page 2 of 3 Pages
Exhibit Index - Page 3

EXHIBIT INDEX

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Exhibit Index – Page 3

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99.1


                 HERSHEY FOODS TO INTRODUCE FIRST NUTRITION BARS
                WITH DR. BARRY SEARS' ZONE DIET SEAL OF APPROVAL


HERSHEY, Pa., February 9, 2004 - Hershey Foods Corporation and Dr. Barry Sears
today announced plans to introduce the first-ever nutrition bars with the
science-based nutritional benefits of the Zone Diet and the great taste
consumers expect from Hershey. The products will be the first to carry the "Dr.
Sears Zone Approval" seal and will be introduced during the third quarter.

 "Our new partnership with Dr. Sears is an outstanding match of Hershey's strong
brand-building and business-system capabilities with his world-renowned dietary
expertise," said Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Hershey Foods Corporation. "Together, we'll create innovative new
products that deliver the superior nutritional benefits of his Zone Diet and the
great taste consumers expect from Hershey. This is an exciting opportunity for
us as we further expand our presence in the nutrition snack segment and work
with Dr. Sears to meet the growing consumer demand for sound nutrition,
convenience and a healthy lifestyle."

"Good nutrition is the foundation not only for feeling and performing at your
best, but also for better health," said Dr. Barry Sears, Founder and President
of Zone Labs. "The innovative products to be developed through this new
partnership will provide a fusion of my Zone technology with the outstanding
food technology expertise of Hershey Foods. Due to the unique formulation of
these products, they will help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is the key to
controlling hunger and thus keeping weight in a healthy range. I'm extremely
proud to be associated with Hershey, a true leader in product innovation with an
outstanding ability to deliver taste and convenience to the marketplace.

Building upon the science-based principles of my Zone Diet, we'll be able to
give consumers both the great taste and balanced nutrition they want for a
healthy lifestyle."

Dr. Sears is one of the world's leading experts on nutrition. A former research
scientist at Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, he holds 13 US patents in the areas of drug-delivery
systems and dietary control of hormonal response. In 1995, he first published
his insights into hormonal effects of food in his landmark book, THE ZONE, which
became a New York Times #1 best seller. He since has published nine additional
books on his Zone dietary technology, which have been translated into 22
languages in 40 countries. Zone Labs provides research and development support
for Dr. Sears' effort to bring evidence-based nutrition products to consumers.

Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) is the leading North American manufacturer
of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery and chocolate-related
grocery products. Some of the company's most popular products include
Hershey's(R) chocolate and chocolate with almonds bars, Hershey's(R) Kisses(R)
brand chocolates, Reese's(R) peanut butter cups, Jolly Rancher(R)and
Twizzlers(R)candies, Hershey's(R)cocoa, and Hershey's(R) syrup. The company also
is a market leader in the gum and mint category with such well-known brands as
Ice Breakers(R), Breath Savers(R), and Bubble Yum(R).

Safe Harbor Statement
- ---------------------
This release contains statements which are forward-looking. These statements are
made based upon current expectations which are subject to risk and uncertainty.
Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking
statements. Factors which could cause results to differ materially include, but
are not limited to: changes in the confectionery and grocery business
environment, including actions of competitors and changes in consumer
preferences; customer and consumer response to selling price increases; changes
in governmental laws and regulations, including taxes; market demand for new and
existing products; changes in raw material and other costs; pension cost
factors such as actuarial assumptions, market performance, and employee
retirement decisions; adequacy of the Company's bad debt reserve; the Company's
ability to implement improvements to reduce costs associated with its supply
chain; and the Company's ability to successfully implement its rationalization
and realignment initiatives, as discussed in the Company's Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended September 28, 2003, and Annual Report on Form 10-K for
2002.

Media Contact: Christine M. Dugan (717) 508-3238
Financial Contact: James A. Edris (717) 534-7556


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