7. EMPLOYEE DEFINED AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company provides benefits to certain current and former associates who are eligible under a qualified defined benefit pension plan and various non-qualified supplemental pension plans (collectively, the “Pension Plans”). Net periodic benefit expense for the Pension Plans includes the following (income) and expense components:

	THIRTEEN
	WEEKS ENDED
	May 3,			May 4,
	2014			2013
Interest cost	$	1,997		$	1,998
Expected return on plan assets	(2,490		)	(2,235		)
Recognition of net actuarial loss	944			1,642
Net periodic benefit expense	$	451		$	1,405

During the first quarter of 2014, contributions of $3,518 were made to the Pension Plans. The Company anticipates contributing an additional $11,561 to fund the Pension Plans in 2014 for an annual total of $15,079.

The Company also provides medical and life insurance benefits to certain former associates under a postretirement benefit plan (“Postretirement Benefit Plan”). Net periodic benefit income for the Postretirement Benefit Plan includes the following (income) and expense components:

	THIRTEEN
	WEEKS ENDED
	May 3,			May 4,
	2014			2013
Interest cost	$	22		$	30
Recognition of net actuarial gain	(130		)	(91		)
Net periodic benefit income	$	(108	)	$	(61	)

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company contributed $27 to fund the Postretirement Benefit Plan, and anticipates contributing an additional $384 in 2014 for a net annual total of $411.