SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

_________________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
October 1, 2003

RUDDICK CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

North Carolina
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

1-6905
(Commission File Number)

56-0905940
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

301 South Tryon Street, Suite 1800
Charlotte, North Carolina
(Address of principal executive offices)

28202
(Zip Code)

(704) 372-5404
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS

         On October 1, 2003, Ruddick Corporation, a North Carolina corporation, issued a press release, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

ITEM 7. EXHIBITS.

99.1         News Release disseminated on October 1, 2003 by Ruddick Corporation.
 

                                                                               SIGNATURES

            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 hereunto duly authorized.

                                                                                           RUDDICK CORPORATION

                                                                                           By: /s/ JOHN B. WOODLIEF
                                                                                                 John B. Woodlief
                                                                                                 Vice President - Finance and Chief
                                                                                                  Financial Officer

  Dated: October 1, 2003