Atlanta, GA – November 12, 2004 - The March of Dimes is pleased to announce that Ingles Markets, Incorporated will partner with the non-profit to call attention to the escalating health problem of premature birth by sponsoring a paper Prematurity Band Campaign in their stores during the month of November. The promotion will take place in Ingles Markets in NC, SC, TN and GA.

"Ingles Markets is excited about this new partnership with the March of Dimes," says Melissa McIntosh, Director of Advertising. "We are a committed friend in helping the March of Dimes raise awareness for prematurity.’’

Leah McGrath, R.D., corporate Registered Dietitian for Ingles Markets, conducts in-store tours at select Ingles locations to provide the general public with information on nutrition. In November, she will include nutritional information on starting healthy habits early to help ensure healthy, happy babies.

As part of the March of Dimes’ five-year, $75 million campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth, the health non-profit established November as Prematurity Awareness Month in 2003. Prematurity Awareness Day will be held on November 16 this year. Every year, 470,000 families welcome their new babies into the world prematurely.

Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 197 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company also operates 76 neighborhood shopping centers, all but 18 of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market under the symbol IMKTA. For more information about the Company, visit Ingles' website at www.ingles-markets.com.

The March of Dimes is also offering online participation in Prematurity Awareness activities through a new web site called http://www.clicktosavebabies.org/. The site features a story-exchange and an opportunity to support research through a petition and a donation.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.

While it is true that many women without any risk factors will have a preterm baby, the March of Dimes says there are some steps women can take to help reduce their chances of a premature birth:

1) If you smoke, stop smoking. It’s best to stop before you get pregnant. If you can’t stop, try to cut down. Avoid secondhand smoke.

2) Don't drink alcohol.

3) If you use any drugs or herbal remedies or supplements that are not prescribed by your health care provider, stop using them. It’s best to stop before you get pregnant. Talk to your health care provider about prescription medications you are taking.

4) Try to reduce stress. Ask friends and family for help. Rest and relax whenever you can.

5) If you feel burning or pain when you urinate, you may have an infection. Call your health care provider right away.