<!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en">
<HTML>
<head>

   <TITLE>Ruddick Form S-8</TITLE>
</head>
<body link="#0000FF" vlink="#800080">

<center><font size=-1>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on June 11, 2001</font>
<p><font size=-1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Registration 333-__________</font></center>

<hr SIZE=4>
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>
<br>
<center>
<p><b><font size=-1>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b>
<br><font size=-1>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</font>
<p><b>FORM S-8</b>
<br><b><font size=-1>REGISTRATION STATEMENT</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>UNDER</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</font></b>
<br><b>__________</b>
<p><b>RUDDICK CORPORATION</b>
<br><font size=-1>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></center>

<p><b><font size=-1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
North Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
56-0905940</font></b>
<br><font size=-1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (State or other
jurisdiction&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(I.R.S. Employer</font>
<br><font size=-1>&nbsp; of incorporation or organization)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Identification No.)</font>
<p><b><font size=-1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 301
S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Charlotte, North Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
28202</font></b>
<br><font size=-1>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (Address of Principal
Executive Offices)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(Zip Code)</font>
<center>
<p><b><font size=-1>RUDDICK CORPORATION</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>2000 COMPREHENSIVE STOCK OPTION AND AWARD PLAN</font></b>
<br><font size=-1>(Full title of the plan)</font>
<p><b><font size=-1>DOUGLAS J. YACENDA</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>Secretary</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>Ruddick Corporation</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>Charlotte, North Carolina 28202</font></b>
<br><font size=-1>(Name and address of agent for service)</font>
<p><b><font size=-1>(704) 372-5404</font></b>
<br><font size=-1>Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service</font>
<p><font size=-1>Copy to:</font>
<p><b><font size=-1>RICHARD W. VIOLA, ESQ.</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>201 North Tryon Street</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>Charlotte, North Carolina 28202</font></b>
<br><b><font size=-1>Telephone: (704) 343-2149</font></b></center>

<p><font size=-1>Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the
public: from time to time after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.</font>
<center><table BORDER CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH="534" >
<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN="5">
<center><font size=-1>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</font></center>
</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=BOTTOM WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="45">
<center><font size=-1>Title of Securities to</font>
<br><u><font size=-1>be Registered</font></u></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=BOTTOM WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="45">
<center><font size=-1>Amount to be</font>
<br><u><font size=-1>Registered</font></u></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=BOTTOM WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="45">
<center><font size=-1>Proposed Maximum Offering Price</font>
<br><font size=-1><u>Per Share</u>*</font></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=BOTTOM WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="45">
<center><font size=-1>Proposed Maximum Aggregate</font>
<br><font size=-1><u>Offering Price</u>*</font></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=BOTTOM WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="45">
<center><font size=-1>Amount of</font>
<br><u><font size=-1>Registration Fee</font></u></center>
</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="30"><font size=-1>Common Stock</font></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="30">
<center><font size=-1>1,200,000</font>
<br><font size=-1>Shares</font></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="30">
<center><font size=-1>$15.54</font></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="30">
<center><font size=-1>$18,648,000</font></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="20%" HEIGHT="30">
<center><font size=-1>$4,662.00</font></center>
</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN="5">
<dir><font size=-1>* Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the
registration fee and computed according to Rule 457(h) under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, based on the average of the high and low sale
prices of Ruddick Corporation Common Stock reported on the New York Stock
Exchange on June 8, 2001.</font></dir>
</td>
</tr>
</TABLE></center>

<br>&nbsp;
<p>
<hr NOSHADE WIDTH="80%">
<br>&nbsp;
<p><b>PART I. INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The documents
constituting the prospectus (the "Prospectus") of Ruddick Corporation (the
"Registrant") with respect to this Registration Statement in accordance
with Rule 428 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), are kept on file at the offices of the Registrant.
The Registrant will provide without charge to employees, on the written
or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the documents
constituting the Prospectus. Written requests for such copies should be
directed to the Secretary, Ruddick Corporation, 301 S. Tryon Street, Suite
1800, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. Telephone requests may be directed
to (704) 372-5404.
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<p><b>PART II. INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</b>
<p><b>Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The following
documents filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") are incorporated by reference herein and in the Prospectus
constituting a part of this Registration Statement:
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
October 1, 2000, filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange
Act of
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act");
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q for the quarters
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
ended December 31, 2000 and April 1, 2001, filed pursuant to Section 13
of
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
the Exchange Act;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant's Current Reports on Form
8-K dated
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
October 31, 2000, January 23, 2001, April 4, 2001 and April 24, 2001; and
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The description of the Registrant's Common
Stock contained
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
in its Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Act and all amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
description, including the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
8-A
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
filed December 15, 2000.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Any document
filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the effectiveness
of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective
amendment hereto which either indicates that all securities offered hereto
have been sold or deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall
be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement
and the Prospectus and to be a part hereof and thereof from the date of
filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement and
the Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or therein
or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein or therein modifies or supersedes
such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not
be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Registrant
will provide without charge to each person to whom the Prospectus is delivered,
on the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all
of the documents incorporated herein and in the Prospectus by reference
(other than exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated
by reference in such documents). Written requests for such copies should
be directed to Douglas J. Yacenda, Secretary, Ruddick Corporation, 301
S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. Telephone
requests may be directed to (704) 372-5404.
<p><b>Item 4. Description of Securities.</b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not applicable
<p><b>Item 5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.</b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not applicable
<p><b>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are
no provisions in the Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation and
no contracts between the Registrant and its directors and officers nor
resolutions adopted by the Registrant, relating to indemnification. The
Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation prevent the recovery by
the Registrant of monetary damages against its directors. However, in accordance
with the provisions of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act (the
"Act"), the Registrant's Bylaws provide that, in addition to the indemnification
of directors and officers otherwise provided by the Act, the Registrant
shall, under certain circumstances, indemnify its directors and officers
(as well as certain other persons) against any and all liability and expense,
including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of their status or activities
as directors and officers, except for liability or litigation expense incurred
on account of activities that were at the time known or reasonably should
have been known by such director or officer to be clearly in conflict with
the best interests of the Registrant. Pursuant to such Bylaws and as authorized
by statute, the Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of its directors
and officers against liability asserted against such persons in such capacity
whether or not such directors or officers have the right to indemnification
pursuant to the Bylaw or otherwise.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition to
the above-described provisions, Sections 55-8-50 through 55-8-58 of the
Act contain provisions prescribing the extent to which directors and officers
shall or may be indemnified. Section 55-8-51 of the Act permits a corporation,
with certain exceptions, to indemnify a present or former director against
liability if (i) he conducted himself in good faith, (ii) he reasonably
believed (x) that his conduct in his official capacity with the corporation
was in its best interests and (y) in all other cases his conduct was at
least not opposed to the corporation's best interest, and (iii) in the
case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe
his conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a director in
connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which
the director was adjudged liable to the corporation or in connection with
a proceeding charging improper personal benefit to him. The above standard
of conduct is determined by the Board of Directors, or a committee or special
legal counsel or the shareholders as prescribed in Section 55-8-55.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sections 55-8-52
and 55-8-56 of the Act require a corporation to indemnify a director or
officer in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party against
reasonable expenses when he is wholly successful in his defense, unless
the articles of incorporation provide otherwise. Upon application, the
court may order indemnification of the director or officer if he is adjudged
fairly and reasonably so entitled under Section 55-8-54. Section 55-8-56
allows a corporation to indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee
or agent who is not a director to the same extent as a director or as otherwise
set forth in the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by
a resolution of the Board of Directors.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition,
Section 55-8-57 of the Act permits a corporation to provide for indemnification
of directors, officers, employees or agents, in its articles of incorporation
or by contract or resolution, against liability in various proceedings
and to purchase and maintain insurance policies on behalf of these individuals.
<p><i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The foregoing
is only a general summary of certain aspects of North Carolina law dealing
with indemnification of directors and officers and does not purport to
be complete. It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant
statutes which contain detailed specific provisions regarding the circumstances
under which and the person for whose benefit indemnification shall or may
be made and accordingly are incorporated by reference as Exhibit 99.2 of
this Registration Statement.</i>
<p><b>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not applicable
<p><b>Item 8. Exhibits.</b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The following
exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.
<p><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u> Exhibit
No.</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<u>Description of Exhibit</u></b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
5.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Opinion of Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
23.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consent of Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(included in Exhibit 5.1).
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
23.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
public accountants.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
24.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
contained in Part II hereof).
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
99.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ruddick Corporation 2000 Comprehensive Stock
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2001
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(Commission File No. 1-6905)).
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
99.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Provisions of North Carolina law relating to
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
indemnification of directors and officers
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
of the Registrant's Registration Statement
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-19085).
<br>&nbsp;
<p><b>Item 9. Undertakings.</b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (a) The undersigned
Registrant hereby undertakes:
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To file, during any period in which offers
or sales are being
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; made,
a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3)
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
of the Securities Act of 1933;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(ii)&nbsp; To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
effective registration statement;
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To include any material information with respect
to the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Statement or any material change to such information in the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Registration Statement;
<p><i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Provided,
however,</i> that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; the Registration
Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 or Form F-3, and
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Commission by
the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Registration
Statement.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Act of
1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; offering
of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
<br><i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
bona fide</i> offering thereof.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
of
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
the offering.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
<br>any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing
of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference
in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration
Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering
of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <i>bona
fide</i> offering thereof.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (c)&nbsp;&nbsp;
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than payment by the Registrant
of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person
of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding)
is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
<br>&nbsp;
<br>&nbsp;
<br>
<br>
<br>
<center>
<p><b>SIGNATURES</b></center>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of
the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on June
11, 2001.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
RUDDICK CORPORATION
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
By:<u> /s/ Thomas W. Dickson</u>
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
Thomas W. Dickson
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
President
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>
<dir>&nbsp;</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>
</dir>

<center>POWER OF ATTORNEY</center>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KNOW ALL MEN
BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below and
on the following page constitutes and appoints each of Thomas W. Dickson,
John B. Woodlief and Douglas A. Stephenson as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to
sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement, including post-effective
amendments, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents
in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be
done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms all that
any said attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting alone, or his substitute
or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Act of 1933 this Registration Statement has been signed
by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<br>&nbsp;
<table BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 WIDTH="628" >
<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%">
<center><u>Signature</u></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%">
<center><u>Title</u></center>
</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%">
<center><u>Date</u></center>
</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ Thomas W. Dickson&nbsp;</u>
<br>Thomas W. Dickson&nbsp;</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">President and Director
<br>(Principal Executive Officer)</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ John B. Woodlief&nbsp;</u>
<br>John B. Woodlief</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Vice President-Finance
<br>(Principal Financial Officer)</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ Douglas A. Stephenson&nbsp;</u>
<br>Douglas A. Stephenson</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Vice President and Treasurer
<br>(Principal Accounting Officer)</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ John R. Belk&nbsp;</u>
<br>John R. Belk</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ Edwin B. Borden, Jr.&nbsp;</u>
<br>Edwin B. Borden, Jr.</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ John W. Copeland&nbsp;</u>
<br>John W. Copeland</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ Alan T. Dickson&nbsp;</u>
<br>Alan T. Dickson</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ R. Stuart Dickson&nbsp;</u>
<br>R. Stuart Dickson</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ Roddey Dowd, Sr.&nbsp;</u>
<br>Roddey Dowd, Sr.</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ James E. S. Hynes&nbsp;</u>
<br>James E. S. Hynes</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64">_________________
<br>Hugh L. McColl, Jr.</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">_______, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ Anna S. Nelson&nbsp;</u>
<br>Anna S. Nelson</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64"><u>/s/ Harold C. Stowe&nbsp;</u>
<br>Harold C. Stowe</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">June 11, 2001</td>
</tr>

<tr>
<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="37%" HEIGHT="64">________________
<br>Isaiah Tidwell</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="35%" HEIGHT="64">Director</td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="6%" HEIGHT="64"></td>

<td VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="17%" HEIGHT="64">______, 2001</td>
</tr>
</TABLE>

<br>&nbsp;
<center>
<p>EXHIBIT INDEX</center>

<p><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<p><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Exhibit No.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<u>Description of Exhibit</u></b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
5.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Opinion of Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
23.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consent of Smith Helms Mulliss &amp; Moore, L.L.P.
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(included in Exhibit 5.1).
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
23.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
public accountants.
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
24.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
contained in Part II hereof).
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
99.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Ruddick Corporation 2000 Comprehensive Stock
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference to
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2001
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(Commission File No. 1-6905)).
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
99.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Provisions of North Carolina law relating to
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
indemnification of directors and officers
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8,
<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Registration No. 333-19085).
</body>
</HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "ruddicks8june.htm", "secsgml_size_bytes": 46148}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "RUDDICK CORP", "cik": "0000085704", "assigned-sic": "5411", "irs-number": "560905940", "state-of-incorporation": "NC", "fiscal-year-end": "0930"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-62768", "film-number": "1658815"}, "business-address": {"street1": "2000 TWO FIRST UNION CTR", "city": "CHARLOTTE", "state": "NC", "zip": "28282", "phone": "7043725404"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "2000 TWO FIRST UNION CTR", "city": "CHARLOTTE", "state": "NC", "zip": "28282"}}
Ruddick Form S-8
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on June 11, 2001
Registration 333-__________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
__________
RUDDICK CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
North Carolina                                        
                                         
56-0905940
(State or other
jurisdiction                                        
                               
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)                                
                               
Identification No.)
301
S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800
Charlotte, North Carolina                                      
                                 
28202
(Address of Principal
Executive Offices)                                       
              
(Zip Code)
RUDDICK CORPORATION
2000 COMPREHENSIVE STOCK OPTION AND AWARD PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
DOUGLAS J. YACENDA
Secretary
Ruddick Corporation
301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
(Name and address of agent for service)
(704) 372-5404
Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service
Copy to:
RICHARD W. VIOLA, ESQ.
Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
201 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Telephone: (704) 343-2149
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the
public: from time to time after the effective date of this Registration
Statement.
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities to
be Registered
Amount to be
Registered
Proposed Maximum Offering Price
Per Share
*
Proposed Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price
*
Amount of
Registration Fee
Common Stock
1,200,000
Shares
$15.54
$18,648,000
$4,662.00
* Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the
registration fee and computed according to Rule 457(h) under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, based on the average of the high and low sale
prices of Ruddick Corporation Common Stock reported on the New York Stock
Exchange on June 8, 2001.
PART I. INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The documents
constituting the prospectus (the "Prospectus") of Ruddick Corporation (the
"Registrant") with respect to this Registration Statement in accordance
with Rule 428 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), are kept on file at the offices of the Registrant.
The Registrant will provide without charge to employees, on the written
or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the documents
constituting the Prospectus. Written requests for such copies should be
directed to the Secretary, Ruddick Corporation, 301 S. Tryon Street, Suite
1800, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. Telephone requests may be directed
to (704) 372-5404.
PART II. INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following
documents filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") are incorporated by reference herein and in the Prospectus
constituting a part of this Registration Statement:
(a)      The Registrant's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended
October 1, 2000, filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange
Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act");
(b)      The Registrant's Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q for the quarters
ended December 31, 2000 and April 1, 2001, filed pursuant to Section 13
of
the Exchange Act;
(c)      The Registrant's Current Reports on Form
8-K dated
October 31, 2000, January 23, 2001, April 4, 2001 and April 24, 2001; and
(d)      The description of the Registrant's Common
Stock contained
in its Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange
Act and all amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such
description, including the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
8-A
filed December 15, 2000.
Any document
filed by the Registrant with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the effectiveness
of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective
amendment hereto which either indicates that all securities offered hereto
have been sold or deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall
be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement
and the Prospectus and to be a part hereof and thereof from the date of
filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement and
the Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or therein
or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein or therein modifies or supersedes
such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not
be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
The Registrant
will provide without charge to each person to whom the Prospectus is delivered,
on the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all
of the documents incorporated herein and in the Prospectus by reference
(other than exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated
by reference in such documents). Written requests for such copies should
be directed to Douglas J. Yacenda, Secretary, Ruddick Corporation, 301
S. Tryon Street, Suite 1800, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. Telephone
requests may be directed to (704) 372-5404.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable
Item 5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
There are
no provisions in the Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation and
no contracts between the Registrant and its directors and officers nor
resolutions adopted by the Registrant, relating to indemnification. The
Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation prevent the recovery by
the Registrant of monetary damages against its directors. However, in accordance
with the provisions of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act (the
"Act"), the Registrant's Bylaws provide that, in addition to the indemnification
of directors and officers otherwise provided by the Act, the Registrant
shall, under certain circumstances, indemnify its directors and officers
(as well as certain other persons) against any and all liability and expense,
including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of their status or activities
as directors and officers, except for liability or litigation expense incurred
on account of activities that were at the time known or reasonably should
have been known by such director or officer to be clearly in conflict with
the best interests of the Registrant. Pursuant to such Bylaws and as authorized
by statute, the Registrant maintains insurance on behalf of its directors
and officers against liability asserted against such persons in such capacity
whether or not such directors or officers have the right to indemnification
pursuant to the Bylaw or otherwise.
In addition to
the above-described provisions, Sections 55-8-50 through 55-8-58 of the
Act contain provisions prescribing the extent to which directors and officers
shall or may be indemnified. Section 55-8-51 of the Act permits a corporation,
with certain exceptions, to indemnify a present or former director against
liability if (i) he conducted himself in good faith, (ii) he reasonably
believed (x) that his conduct in his official capacity with the corporation
was in its best interests and (y) in all other cases his conduct was at
least not opposed to the corporation's best interest, and (iii) in the
case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe
his conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a director in
connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which
the director was adjudged liable to the corporation or in connection with
a proceeding charging improper personal benefit to him. The above standard
of conduct is determined by the Board of Directors, or a committee or special
legal counsel or the shareholders as prescribed in Section 55-8-55.
Sections 55-8-52
and 55-8-56 of the Act require a corporation to indemnify a director or
officer in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party against
reasonable expenses when he is wholly successful in his defense, unless
the articles of incorporation provide otherwise. Upon application, the
court may order indemnification of the director or officer if he is adjudged
fairly and reasonably so entitled under Section 55-8-54. Section 55-8-56
allows a corporation to indemnify and advance expenses to an officer, employee
or agent who is not a director to the same extent as a director or as otherwise
set forth in the corporation's articles of incorporation or bylaws or by
a resolution of the Board of Directors.
In addition,
Section 55-8-57 of the Act permits a corporation to provide for indemnification
of directors, officers, employees or agents, in its articles of incorporation
or by contract or resolution, against liability in various proceedings
and to purchase and maintain insurance policies on behalf of these individuals.
The foregoing
is only a general summary of certain aspects of North Carolina law dealing
with indemnification of directors and officers and does not purport to
be complete. It is qualified in its entirety by reference to the relevant
statutes which contain detailed specific provisions regarding the circumstances
under which and the person for whose benefit indemnification shall or may
be made and accordingly are incorporated by reference as Exhibit 99.2 of
this Registration Statement.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable
Item 8. Exhibits.
The following
exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.
Exhibit
No.
Description of Exhibit
5.1                       
Opinion of Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
23.1                       
Consent of Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
(included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2                       
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified
public accountants.
24.1                        
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page
contained in Part II hereof).
99.1                         
Ruddick Corporation 2000 Comprehensive Stock
Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2001
(Commission File No. 1-6905)).
99.2                          
Provisions of North Carolina law relating to
indemnification of directors and officers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2
of the Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-19085).
Item 9. Undertakings.
(a) The undersigned
Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)     To file, during any period in which offers
or sales are being
made,
a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3)
of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form
of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)
if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no
more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
effective registration statement;
(iii)    To include any material information with respect
to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration
Statement or any material change to such information in the
Registration Statement;
Provided,
however,
that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
the Registration
Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 or Form F-3, and
the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by
the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
Registration
Statement.
(2)     That, for the purpose of determining any liability
under the Securities
Act of
1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering
of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(3)     To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
of
the offering.
(b)   
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing
of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference
in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration
Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering
of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona
fide
offering thereof.
(c)  
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons
of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than payment by the Registrant
of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person
of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding)
is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection
with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of
the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on June
11, 2001.
RUDDICK CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Thomas W. Dickson
Thomas W. Dickson
President
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN
BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below and
on the following page constitutes and appoints each of Thomas W. Dickson,
John B. Woodlief and Douglas A. Stephenson as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to
sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement, including post-effective
amendments, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all documents
in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be
done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
he might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms all that
any said attorney-in-fact and agent, each acting alone, or his substitute
or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Act of 1933 this Registration Statement has been signed
by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Thomas W. Dickson
Thomas W. Dickson
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
June 11, 2001
/s/ John B. Woodlief
John B. Woodlief
Vice President-Finance
(Principal Financial Officer)
June 11, 2001
/s/ Douglas A. Stephenson
Douglas A. Stephenson
Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
June 11, 2001
/s/ John R. Belk
John R. Belk
Director
June 11, 2001
/s/ Edwin B. Borden, Jr.
Edwin B. Borden, Jr.
Director
June 11, 2001
/s/ John W. Copeland
John W. Copeland
Director
June 11, 2001
/s/ Alan T. Dickson
Alan T. Dickson
Director
June 11, 2001
/s/ R. Stuart Dickson
R. Stuart Dickson
Director
June 11, 2001
/s/ Roddey Dowd, Sr.
Roddey Dowd, Sr.
Director
June 11, 2001
/s/ James E. S. Hynes
James E. S. Hynes
Director
June 11, 2001
_________________
Hugh L. McColl, Jr.
Director
_______, 2001
/s/ Anna S. Nelson
Anna S. Nelson
Director
June 11, 2001
/s/ Harold C. Stowe
Harold C. Stowe
Director
June 11, 2001
________________
Isaiah Tidwell
Director
______, 2001
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
5.1                       
Opinion of Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
23.1                       
Consent of Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P.
(included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2                       
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified
public accountants.
24.1                        
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page
contained in Part II hereof).
99.1                        
Ruddick Corporation 2000 Comprehensive Stock
Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2001
(Commission File No. 1-6905)).
99.2                        
Provisions of North Carolina law relating to
indemnification of directors and officers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8,
Registration No. 333-19085).