Del Monte Foods Enriches the Lives of Chicago's Youth by Supporting Chef Art Smith's Common Threads Summer Camp 2007.

More than 100 Children Thrive, Both In and Out of the Kitchen, as the Common Threads Summer Camp Offers Cooking and Gardening Classes, Movement Programs, Cultural Experiences, and Much More

SAN FRANCISCO -- Del Monte Foods (NYSE:DLM) is proud to announce its support of Common Threads Summer Camp 2007 -- a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 by Chef Art Smith that is committed to teaching underprivileged children about different cultures, as well as developing self-discipline and respect for others through classes on food and the arts. More than 100 Chicago-area children, between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, will be attending the Common Threads Summer Camp, which is in session from now through August 3 at St. Paul and the Redeemer in the Kenwood/Hyde Park neighborhood.

"Chef Art Smith is a friend of the Del Monte family -- we share a common vision of enhancing the lives of children and their families and the importance of bringing families together by getting them back to the table to connect over a shared meal. We are both passionate about nourishing families and enriching lives every day," said Richard G. Wolford, Chairman and CEO of Del Monte Foods. "Del Monte applauds Chef Art Smith's efforts, both in and out of the kitchen, and it is truly an honor to support Common Threads Summer Camp. We are proud to be part of a program that is enriching and improving so many lives."

During the Common Threads Summer Camp 2007, campers will experience:

* Cooking Classes: The Common Threads Cooking Program allows children to learn and share with one another about cultures, heritages and traditions from all over the world, while mastering basic cooking skills. The Common Threads' Master Chef will guide the children through ethnic recipes that highlight different countries, and incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables from the camp's very own World Garden.

* Gardening Classes: The World Garden provides an educational environment using horticulture to teach children how we, as a world family, share in the common threads of growing food. The organic garden promotes a nurturing relationship with the earth, encourages healthy eating, and uses an interactive approach to make a difference in understanding the ways in which food connects our communities. The 1,700 square foot plot of land located in Kenwood Park is filled with kid-planted vegetables and herbs ready for students to cook with in the kitchen, and use for projects.

* The United Movement Program: Explores marital arts, dance and exercise programs to teach children about disciplines created from different parts of the world.

* Classroom Time: During classroom time children will discuss and explore cultures, learn about nutrition and healthy living, and work on art projects in a fun and stimulating environment.

"This Common Threads Summer Camp is positively impacting these children in so many ways - from giving a child his or her first opportunity to tend to a vegetable garden, to creating a forum where children can learn about different cultures through food and the arts," said Chef Art Smith, celebrity chef, cookbook author and Common Threads founder. "This camp is providing a life-changing experience for these children and we are so thankful that Del Monte is committed to making this camp a reality."

Del Monte Foods, a Company that has sponsored Common Threads Summer Camp since 2005, is joined by Allen Brothers who is also a sponsor of this year's camp. For class applications and additional information, please check the Common Threads Website www.commonthreads.org.

About Common Threads

Common Threads, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2003 by Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salqueiro, is committed to helping children connect with their bodies, their neighbors, and their world in bite-sized lessons. The organization educates children on the importance of nutrition, physical well-being and instills an appreciation our world's diversity through the food and art of different cultures. For more information on Common Threads, please visit www.commonthreads.org.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating approximately $3 billion in net sales in fiscal 2006. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte([R]), StarKist([R]), S&W([R]), Contadina([R]), College Inn([R]), Meow Mix([R]), Kibbles 'n Bits([R]), 9Lives([R]),( )Milk-Bone([R]), Pup-Peroni([R]), Meaty Bone([R]), Snausages([R]) and Pounce([R]), Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten American households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM), visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.