2008-05-17 00:32:53 -

www.generalmills.com - General Mills Foundation on behalf of General Mills China has committed $500,000 (approximately RMB 3.5 million) to the American Red Cross to support the earthquake response efforts led by the Red Cross Society of China. General Mills has operations in the Sichuan Province of central China.

"We were relieved to learn that our employees are safe,

and our hearts go out those who have been impacted by this disaster," said Chris Shea, president, General Mills Foundation. "We want to provide immediate help because we know that rebuilding lives takes time."

About General Mills

General Mills, with annual net sales of $13.4 billion, is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products based in Minneapolis. General Mills' mission is Nourishing Lives - innovating to make lives healthier, easier, and richer - while Nourishing Communities and Nourishing the Future. Its global brand portfolio includes Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Old El Paso and more. With more than 100 consumer brands and operations in more than 100 countries, General Mills is also a leading supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries.

General Mills
Heidi Geller, 763-764-6364